Landscape Watercolour of Staithes, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
This was my second attempt at this scene from a referrence photo of mine and I was looking to improve on the original sketch. I though with my first attempt the background was too strong and maybe did not push it back far enough. Well on this one I tried to make the background a little more muted and I think it's a minor improvement.
Landscape Watercolour of Lanzarote, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
Playa Honda is situated right next to Lanzarote's Airport, but it's actually quite a quiet place. Along the sea front runs a winding promenade and an unspoilt mainly sandy beach. Half way along is a small group of what I guess are fairly old local buildings right on the beach and some weathered boats tethered to the railings.
Landscape Watercolour of Cadeques, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
At the western end of this pretty coastal town the narrow road snakes around a final corner to eventually run north. All the numerous tiny bays that make up Cadeques have their picture postcard views of small boats tethered to the shore and the mountains as a back drop. They almost look as if they are staged.
Landscape Watercolour of Cadeques, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
One of the many little secluded beaches to be found along the coast of Cadeques, and a great location for this Hotel with its' balconies overlooking the bay in front. Known as the Spanish Saint Tropez, it's not too far from the French border, but has still been able to maintain it's Mediterranean 'fishing village' charm without feeling like a resort.
Landscape Watercolour of Lanzarote, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140lbs
Late afternoon sun coming in on a short promenade in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, looking towards the south western tip of the island. Biggest challenge on this painting was timing of the shadows of the palms trees, which were painted in before the trees and leaves themselves. A bit of "wet in wet" to make sure the edges are not too sharp. The alternative approach could have been to wait until the promenade wash was dry and then do some dry brush strokes for shadows.
A rigger brush was used for the leaves, with the brush well loaded with paint.
Landscape Watercolour of Cadeques, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
Cadeques on the Costa Brava, looking towards the centre of this town and the hills beyond that surround and shelter the location. I think the church tower silhouetted against the darker mountains worked well as do the understated white washed buildings in the middle ground left. Might have controlled the washes or altered the timings on the clouds ad mist coming into the hill tops.
Landscape Watercolour of Cadeques, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
The end of the main bay (called Gran Playa) in Cadeques looking sort of South West down the Costa Brava. A focal point for local fishermens' boats and other pleasure craft, the beach here is gravel and rough sand, and there's a couple of nice beach bars. Since the beginning of the 20th century this beautiful village attracted the world of artists, Max Ernst and Pablo Picasso, to Gabriel García Márquez and Mick Jagger. But it's thanks to Salvador Dalí that the coastline still has it's old white houses.
Landscape Watercolour of Cornwall, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
Marazion a pretty seaside town close to Penzance in Cornwall. Marazion is cornish for little market' and claims to be one of the oldest towns in the UK after Colchester. It's got a great location and lovely views over the bay to the nearby St Michaels Mount, another popular tourist attraction.
Landscape Watercolour of Cadeques Spain, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
The bay in the pretty seaside town of Cadeques, Spain, looking up to the misty tops of the Peni Mountain. Cadeques is extremely well sheltered with a range of mountains (the Cap de Creus) protecting it form the North and the West, but makes for an interesting and twisty drive into town. One thing that sets Cadaques apart from so many other towns along the Costa Brava is that its natural setting and rustic buildings have been untouched by mass tourism.
Landscape Watercolour of Gran Canaria, 15" x 11" on Saunders Waterford Rough Paper 140 lbs
Playa de las Canteras - a lovely curved stretch of golden sands along the bay at Las Palmas, with at the eastern end, pretty striped huts looking very nautical and views over to La Isleta to the north. Typical days here are characterised by bright sun and strong winds. Even though there's a break water off the beach by 100 metres or so, the waves can be pretty fierce.
