'Durle Stone from Berry Head'

This scene is just a few miles south from us, Berry Head being at the southern tip of Torbay. It is a very rugged part of the coastline here, with tall cliffs and lots of hidden coves. There are many views worth painting along here. I've even brought painting groups here.

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Blue Mood Wins...

Well, I took my two sketches along to Bovey Tracey Art Society with the intention of painting the 'warm' scene. I showed the sketches and explained what I was going to do and several people voiced their preference for the other sketch. What to do? I decided to ask for a show of hands and, to my surprise, the 'Blue Mood' won by a landslide. I was sure that the warmer version would win the day.
Still, I went with the crowd and did this larger version in about an hour and a half. Stopping from time to time to answer questions and pause for the, all-important, tea break.

'What Mood Am I In?'

I have a watecolour demonstration coming up later this week, for an art society. The subject is 'Rocky Seascape'. I have a reference photo to work from, of this local landmark known as 'London Bridge' (even though it's in Devon!). Although I'll be using a photo, I will not be copying it. I'll only use it as a starting point. I want to put a little of my own personality into it, otherwise there's no point to the exercise.
For both these small colour sketches (6"x6") I first applied what I like to call a 'mood wash'. The one on the left received a pre-wash of raw sienna, with a touch of Alizarin crimson. Once dry, I painted the scene with a limited palette of Raw sienna, Alizarin crimson & Cobalt blue. As you can see, the effect of the 'mood wash' was to give the painting a warm glow.
The one on the right received a pre-wash of Cobalt blue, and was then completed with a palette of Cobalt blue, Alizarin crimson & Permanent yellow light. This led to a much cooler interpretation of the scene.
Still not sure which one I will choose but, having done the colour sketches, I am more sure of the outcome(s).

"Broadsands Beach, Paignton"

I painted this small seascape one sunny morning, back in the summer. This spot is walking distance from the house, so I carried my paints and easel down the hill, under the viaduct (built by Brunel) and onto the beach. When I arrived, about 10am, there was almost no movement in the clear, blue water. The cliffs around the Torbay area contain some beautiful colours and when they're bathed in sunlight, they take on a lovely pink colour.