A new exhibition at Cardiff’s Albany Gallery celebrates the beautiful coastlines of Wales and Cornwall.
The show features work by Peter Cronin, Dai David, Thomas Haskett, Sian McGill, Peter Morgan, Paul Sims and Rhona Tooze – each producing stunning images of Welsh and Cornish coastlines with a mixture of oils, acrylics and batik.
Paul Sims created most of his work for the exhibition during the pandemic. The former graphic designer used to work at BBC Wales before moving to London where he headed up a team responsible for the first introduction of online computer graphic systems. He was a senior executive and creative director, designing directing and supervising visual effects sequences for TV commercials, broadcast programmes and feature films.
In 2003, he decided to relocate to Cornwall with his family and commenced on his lifelong ambition to become a successful artist.
He says: “The reference material is from the coast around my home in Lelant near St. Ives. The view across the bay is always an inspiration and changes every day. If I ever tire of that amazing vista on the approach to St. Ives it is time to give up!
“The ‘waves’ are from the rugged coastal area around St. Just in the far west. The rocks you see are named the Brisons, but known to the locals as Charles de Gaulle as the outline is very similar to his profile, head and stomach. The sea is again always changing depending on weather and wind direction.
“I try to paint the power, weight and movement of the waves. They are a joy to paint, usually taking a few weeks each and I hope people enjoy viewing the images.”
Rhona Tooze, based in Swansea, qualified as a specialist secondary art teacher from Swansea College of Art and is an expert in batik, the ancient art of wax resist dyeing.
Her collection of works include many Welsh coastal locations, from Tenby, Rhossili Beach, Three Cliffs Bay and the famous Langland huts.
She says: “Batik is the art of wax-resist dyeing, mainly on cloth. It is very popular in Indonesia, where it is part of an ancient tradition. It is an exciting medium, but painting with hot wax is dangerous and I often burn myself. The thought process needed is similar to screen printing but only one image is produced. It is smelly and messy but the results are always a wonderful surprise.
She says: “I was thrilled to be asked to submit work for this show as the brief is perfect for my style and medium. I live on the edge of Gower and have always been inspired by the sea and surroundings. Portraying all these elements in batik, using hot wax and dye on fabric, is an absolute joy.”
The exhibition is a feast for coastal lovers. Peter Cronin’s work visits places including Lower Fishguard and Angle, Dai David’s oil paintings take us to Caswell Bay and Oxwich Bay and Peter Morgan has produced atmospheric coastal views from Marloes to Abereiddi.
There are also delightful scenes from Thomas Haskett at Nolton Haven and Dinas Head and Sian McGill’s acrylics, which feature Brandy Cove and Solva.
The exhibition runs from Thursday, April 6 until Saturday, April 29.
Opening hours are:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
Tel: 029 2078 9171
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