'The sky widens to Cornwall. A sense of sea
Hangs in the lichenous branches and still there's light.'
From 'Old Friends' by Sir John Betjeman
Cornwall is a place that resonates with so many people. I met a good many of them during the summer and autumn months spent painting on its dramatic north coast. Those intrigued to find out what I was painting often shared their thoughts and love for the place. I got the sense that like me it touched their soul and somehow brought them alive.
The majority of my time there was spent painting, happy to be out again and amongst people. Each day I would start early when it was quiet and continue until I could see no more. As summer turned to autumn my expectations of a change to more dramatic weather was instead replaced by a glorious Indian summer. The beaches were filled with colour and light.
As the weeks progressed I found I was painting with renewed energy and excitement. Fully engrossed and inspired I worked fast to capture the drama before me.
This body of paintings I made of Cornwall fully encompass and express my feelings of a place I have grown to love.
David Atkins, October 2021
