Showing posts with label Coastguard cottages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coastguard cottages. Show all posts

Saturday, 12 July 2014

Painting Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters



Some of my paintings of Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters
Cuckmere Haven is one of my favourite places. The views over the sea against the backdrop of the Seven Sisters is stunning. So much colour and all so beautiful!
This is the fifth time I have painted a scene from the area and probably not the last.
I started my walk at Seaford beach climbing  up the steep slope of Seaford Head . Not exactly the easiest of walks but well worth the effort !
The walk along the cliff's edge was delightful, bright sunshine, warm breezes and an array of wild flowers to brighten my route
Walking along the cliff top at Seaford Head
The path took me past Hope Gap and on to the coast guard cottages at Cuckmere Haven and yet more wonderful views.

                                            "Cuckmere Haven"
                                         Acrylic on box canvas 32" x 16"x 1.5" 
Painting of the cottages and Seven Sisters

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

"Bluebells at Birling Gap" Painting the coastguard cottages at Birling Gap

Birling Gap on the Sussex coast 2014
Birling Gap is situated at the western edge of the Seven Sisters cliffs on the East Sussex coast.
The coastguard cottages are a well known land mark that are gradually being destroyed by erosion. The cliffs have dramatically changed over the years as the pictures below illustrate.
Erosion of the cliffs at Birling Gap
The severe storms of last Winter caused such extensive damage that the end cottage has had to be demolished as it was now unsafe.
Cottage before demolition February 2014
It's such a picturesque location that it seems rather sad to see it gradually falling apart.
On our recent visit I was surprised and delighted to see that on the cliff top grew large areas of bright bluebells. Swaying in the breeze as if  imitating the gentle waves of the sea.
. It seemed a fitting subject to paint, as one day it will be gone.....
Work in progress..
                                        "Bluebells at Birling Gap"
                                           Acrylic on box canvas 20"x 16"x 1.5" 
The picture has been sketched out, under painted and work has begun on the cliffs, sea and background 
Work in progress, painting the cottages at Birling gap
Most of today's progress was on the cottages, they're not finished yet but they are well on their way!
Painting in the cottages
Finally the foliage and bluebells fill the foreground like scented sea waves and now it's all finished .
                                  
                                          "Bluebells at Birling Gap"
Bluebells at Birling Gap

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The bluebells this year have been wonderful my local woods have been a delight to walk through, Scented blue carpets and sunshine!