I used to see this view every day as lived across the road and it's where I walked my dog and ran along the seafront. I lived in Southsea (Hampshire) for 11 years, so I am familiar with the pier. I have painted it a few times but never en plein air.
Being a sunrise, time was short again so I didn't draw it out just blocked in the shapes and tones. It was nice not to painstakingly get each section of the pier drawn 'correctly' before I painted it, which I have done previously in my studio. It didn't take long to cover the board and on my first layer of the sky I didn't make the colours intense enough. It's difficult to get the balance between intense/saturated and light tone i.e. Not too wishy washy! I kept remixing to make sure it was bright but light enough.
I also love the iridescent look that occasionally happens with the light on the sea. I wasn't sure how I would manage that. But I did! Pale blue with the orange patches lightly over the top.
The man and dog did walk up the beach, plus the fishing boat puttering along the coastline, good to get some life into it as well.
When my husband saw this one he said fantastic! That's high praise as he's not one to gush :-)
I agree with your husband Clare this is a gorgeous painting.
ReplyDeleteFantastic colours, you have caught the tones in the sky and sea. Really enjoy looking this painting.
ReplyDeleteIt's a special one! Love its glow.
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