I’ve just begun a new seascape (a great big one!!), and starting the creative process filled me with excitement.

It’s been a while since I immersed myself into a sizeable ocean endeavour. As a creative, I often think about why creating particular themes trigger particular emotions. Ultimately, emotion is the driving force behind every artwork I create, and seascapes, with their ever-changing moods and landscapes, are particularly poignant for me. The connection I feel to the ocean inspires a deep sense of reflection and evokes powerful memories that shape my artistic expression.

Like many lovers of the ocean, I feel refreshed, renewed, and awakened by the presence of the sea. It’s my ‘go to’ place - all year round. Science has actually proven brains are wired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase insight, and even heal what’s broken.

The ocean has always been my remedy for relieving tension, stress, and anxiety. I feel so blessed to live so close to the sea., here in Devon. The best tonic in the world, on my doorstep. I may be biased but to me its the best coastline in the world…

Bigbury beach - one of my favourites. All year round! My Burgh island pieces are all inspired by this gem of a beach.

When I create a seascape, whether its a semi abstract ocean or a row of beach huts on the beach, I feel like I’m creating my own little piece of paradise. It’s as close as I can get to actually feeling the sand beneath my feet…

Judging by the popularity of my coastal work, many other people feel the same way about the draw of the ocean. Let’s face it we all feel happy at the beach, for all the reasons I spoke about earlier, as well of course , the nostalgia of childhood holidays, even sunny Skegness! Beach time also means family time for many of us. Above everything, it’s an escape from work, stress and worries. Creating a seascape provides the same escape for me too. I will never ever tire of creating them.

One of the most satisfying and rewarding elements of the creative process is rescuing discarded materials and using salvaged finds. I have a vast collection of treasures I’ve collected over the years - vintage jeans, old sails, curtain off cuts, antique lace - to name a few! I find immense joy in taking these materials, which would likely be discarded or overlooked, and transforming them into unique works of art. Sustainability has been at the heart of my art since I began creating - even as a child!

Here is the link to my Coastal Print Collection - Coastal Collection. You may find a coastal original on my originals page too, though they dont seem to hang around, for some strange reason!

The first stage!
Even during this bit of the process, I’m beginning to see the piece develop clearly in my mind. I rarely take the time to sketch for my seascapes. Instead, they evolve organically as I create them, flowing naturally with each step - and that works just fine for me :))

There will definitely be birdlife! I’m planning to add some beachy green fauna too. I’ve a weak spot for sandy grass and sea thrift. I also like to surprise - so watch this space.

Why I love Creating Seascapes…

A Glorious Spring Evening….