Coast to Coast

Cornwall has long been recognised among those from far and wide for its diverse array of stunning beaches, azure waters, dramatic cliffs, and secluded coves. The splendour of Cornwall’s natural beauty spans the entire peninsula and bears witness to some of the most varied coastline in the country.

An expansive stretch of coastline, The Atlantic coast of Cornwall, otherwise known as the North coast, spanning from Bude to Portreath, is notorious for its rugged glory, its strong currents and crashing waves make it the ideal location for seasoned surfers. The tall cliffs and windswept beaches of the north transition into craggy coves and storm washed headlands as you journey further west towards St. Ives and Sennen. This is a landscape of contrasts, wild yet tranquil scenery, golden sands, and rugged rock formations. Venturing around to the most southerly point you arrive at the Lizard, a captivating area of unique geology, home to an abundance of flowers and plants and a refuge to rare birds. The light shines a little brighter here and the sea glistens a little bluer, capturing the true essence of wild coastal beauty. Continuing towards Falmouth and Fowey, in stark opposition to the cliffs and waves of the North coast, Cornwall’s South Coast is home to gentle hills and secluded coves. The calm waters, peaceful creeks, and picturesque hidden gems of the south make it the perfect place to enjoy the ebb and flow of life by the seashore.

Wherever you find yourself along Cornwall’s extensive coastline, there is something for everyone, and it is guaranteed to enchant all those who have the pleasure of visiting. Come on a whistlestop tour from coast to coast, as we journey along the Cornish shoreline through our collection of paintings.

 

Richard Tuff

Port Isaac, Past the Fish Cellars

A small fishing village on the Atlantic coast, Port Isaac is known for its winding streets and bustling harbour. Richard Tuff, in his signature gouache style, has a gift for encapsulating an essence of place, often choosing to depict idyllic Cornish harbours and towns. His subtlety of tone, richness of colour, and simplicity of form take his landscapes beyond the ordinary, blurring the line between abstract and realism, into a realm of peacefulness and serenity.

Jon Doran

Distant Light at Bassets Cove

About a mile and a half south of Portreath, this small sandy cove is no longer accessible due to the towering unstable cliff. We think artist Jon Doran has perfectly captured a sense of being at the location through his use of light and shadow. Jon’s signature process of oil painting blends a range of textures and effects.

Benjamin Warner

Winter St. Ives

The town is steeped in artistic history, many artists drawn here for its quality of light. Here, gallery artist Benjamin Warner takes a different approach. Almost a nocturne, Winter St. Ives demonstrates once again Benjamin’s skill in handling oil paint and shows a level of history within the work itself.

Hugo Jones

Shifting Shades, Sennen

Just over a mile north of Land’s End, Sennen is known as the UK’s westernmost surf spot. Artist Hugo Jones demonstrates the changing of colours and the evolution of the landscape with the seasons, serving as a reminder of the ebb and flow of life by the coast and all its magic. We love this painting for its warm, burnt sienna undertones and sweeping sky.

Mike Hindle

Sparkling Light, Kynance Cove

Situated on the Lizard peninsula, Kynance cove is famed for its bright turquoise waters and stunning setting. With a perspective that overlooks the cove, we admire Mike Hindle’s technique, using only a palette knife and oil paints to capture the towering rocks and changing tide.

Andrew Tozer

Spring Sunshine, Helford Passage

Closer to home, just five miles outside of Falmouth, Helford Passage lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A familiar location for this plein air artist, Andrew Tozer enjoys sharing his local surrounding and the joy they bring him with the observer. Andrew’s unparalled eye for colour, and mastery of light on water in every stroke make for a surreal landscape that perfectly embodies the warmth that accompanies the arrival of spring.

Peter Blodau

Chainlocker, Falmouth

Our hometown: Beside the Wave was founded in Falmouth in 1989, making this year our 35^th anniversary. Falmouth is a working town, with many independent shops to discover and enjoy. Custom House Quay, not too far from the gallery, has been captured here by our only watercolour artist, Peter Blodau. Having begun his career in Paris, Peter has travelled the world drawing and painting, always working on location.

Emma Dunbar

Sheltering at the Hidden Hut, Portscatho

With a view of the fishing village of Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula, the Hidden Hut is perched above a remote cove and known for its freshly cooked food and al fresco dining experience. Emma Dunbar, recognised for her deviation away from visual accuracy, adopting a style more atmospheric than literal, captures the contrast between the blustery, more monochromatic scape of Portscatho with the rich, vibrant colours and decorative qualities of everyday objects within the refuge of the Hidden Hut.

From North to South and around the West coast of the peninsula, Cornwall’s landscape is utterly captivating and is testimony to why it is loved by so many, both those who have spent their lives here, and those on their first visit from far waters. Having chosen to depict the journey from coast to coast through eight unique paintings, we hope to have captured an essence of the diversity that can be found here in Cornwall, whilst simultaneously showcasing the distinctive styles and techniques that make each one of these artists so special.