When I approached this painting of Polperro Harbour, my aim was to capture both the charm and the dynamic energy of this Cornish fishing village, using composition as my guiding principle.

Strong Lead-In and Focal Points

The composition is anchored by a strong lead-in from the bottom right, where the quay and its shadows guide the viewer's eye into the scene. This pathway not only creates depth but also invites you to journey through the painting, from the foreground boat across the shimmering water and towards the distant houses. The boats themselves act as focal points, with the largest vessel in the foreground commanding immediate attention. Its crisp edges and reflections provide a sense of immediacy and presence.

Balance and Rhythm

I have balanced the busy, detailed cluster of boats and buildings on the left with the more open, sunlit expanse of the quay on the right. The rhythm of the buildings climbing up the hillside gives a sense of movement and life, while the varied brushwork and splashes of colour add to the vibrancy. The repetition of shapes-boats, rooftops, and reflections-creates a pleasing visual rhythm that helps unify the whole scene.

Use of Light and Contrast

Light plays a crucial role in this composition. The contrast between the sunlit quay and the shadowed buildings draws the eye naturally across the painting. The darks under the boats and along the water’s edge help to anchor the composition and prevent it from becoming too fragmented. I’ve used areas of reserved white paper to suggest sparkling highlights on the water and rooftops, adding to the sense of brightness and atmosphere.

Perspective and Depth

The perspective lines of the quay and the diminishing size of the boats and houses help create a convincing sense of depth. The layering of elements-from the foreground boat, through the mid-ground water, to the distant hillside-adds to the three-dimensional feel. The inclusion of a small figure on the quay provides a sense of scale and human interest, making the scene more relatable.

Colour Harmony

I’ve chosen a harmonious palette of blues, greens, and earthy browns, which not only reflects the natural beauty of Polperro but also helps to tie the composition together. The touches of green in the water and hillside add freshness, while the subtle warm tones in the sky and quay suggest the warmth of a Cornish day.

In summary, the composition of this painting is designed to draw the viewer in, lead the eye around the scene, and evoke the lively yet peaceful atmosphere of Polperro Harbour. If you’d like to see more of my work or learn about my painting process, do visit my website at www.timwilmotartist.com.