Plein-Air Perils

Since the end of my show, I've been taking some time out to recharge.

As I write this, I'm en route to York, UK, to soak up some inspiration from their newly acquired Monet paintings - A huge influence on the formative years of my artistic life.

I also had the pleasure to spend some quality time with family and friends, travelling to Gothenburg for Midsommar Festival (not like the film, and I am pleased to say the whole party survived), as well as some much needed recharge time closer to home.

Despite my roots in cityscapes, I've been spending increasingly more time accompanying my father to the Norfolk Coast. Nestled in the long grass on the clifftops, at the base of rockface and hidden spots in-between, I've been setting up my easel in both rain and sun to capture the ever-changing edges of the world whilst Dad flies overhead with his paragliding pals.

It is on one occasion visiting Old Hunstanton beach that my latest painting began. As always, I found a spot where the light and sky were just so, and despite the spring being in bloom my bobble hat and anorak were required as I perched to paint the infamously red striped fossil trove. I sketched out the shapes, I applied the base block colours and had began to apply the first of the details and texture when a loud crash emanated from in front of me.

As someone who grew up knowing the dangers of the cliffs, my easel was abandoned and all those on the beach ran to the sandflats instinctually. Dust plumed from the very scene I had just perfected the profile of. When the rumbling stopped, cautiously all onlookers ensured everyone was safe and resumed to beachcombing and fossil hunting as before. When I returned to my easel, the initial vista had shifted anew. My base painting had captured the last moments the cliffs had in their previous form, before the rockfall.

I packed up my easel as the sun was lowering past the horizon. I thanked years of experience that I had taken reference photos beforehand, and helped Dad pack up his wing and headed home. My cosy studio felt a little safer to complete the piece.

It took quite a while to become happy with the final composition, but after some chopping and re-stretching I’m pleased to reveal the final painting. As always, prints will be inbound and with me at my next market - 24th August at the Local Makers Market in The Forum, Norwich. If you live further afield however, fret not as pre-orders from the website will be available very soon. Pop me a message if you’d like an alert on when they go live via instagram on @PinchPaints or you can email me at [email protected].

I am pleased to announce that my diary for commissions has now re-opened, with subscribers having priority on slots. Please note, I get quite busy in Winter so if you are thinking ahead for the festive season on painted gifts, please book in early to avoid dissapointment. Books are open for September 2024 completion onwards, and 2025 books for live paintings are now also open, with one remaining live slot for October 2024.

That’s it from me this month, and I hope you all have a glorious weekend.

Speak soon,

Pinch 🎨