Dawn Graffiti

The chalets in Riviere Towans have been a great source of inspiration. This painting explores what you see just before you get to the beach and the wonderful views of St Ives Bay. The chalets at Riviere Towans range from classic wooden huts from the 1920s to modern ‘grand designs’. I found myself being drawn to certain types of chalet, those with a story, that have been extended and modified slowly over the years. Their exteriors coated with hardy render, from a time when this would have been the most practical option for this often harsh environment. The render, of a time, creating texture and detail, weathered over the years, I find fascinating.

In this painting I decided to zoom right in, just as if you were passing by the chalet to get to the sea. I used an almost 2 dimensional view, the architectural lines creating a graphic quality to the composition. Everyday architectural detailing such as a UPVC window, guttering, drainpipes, have all been used to help create the composition. I wanted the seascape, the focal point to the area, to be totally obscured by the bold honesty of the chalet, only visible through the window.

I find the shapes created on the walls by shadows particularly interesting. They are to me temporary artworks, like graffiti. No permission has been sought from nature to create these fleeting artworks. In a composition such as this, the shadows help describe the sunshine, the warmth, the beauty, without actually showing any of it at all.

This painting was exhibited at the Penwith Gallery in St Ives, Cornwall as part of my solo show ‘Chaletscape’ exhibition in 2023

Framed from behind, ready to hang.