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Reflections

#jackmansartmaterials #lebenzonpaintbrushes #watercolorlandscape #watercolorpainting #aquarelle #watercolor #watercolour #watercolorartist #aquarela #acuarela #aguarela #saunderswaterford #stcmill I use and recommend Saunders Waterford Cold Press paper,

May 09, 2025

Fish Quay Teignmouth

Fish Quay in Teignmouth, South Devon, is a vibrant and historically significant part of the town, playing a key role in both its fishing heritage and its modern-day appeal. The quay has recently undergone a major redevelopment, with a £1.1 million investment aimed at boosting the local fishing, leisure, and tourism industries. This regeneration has provided new facilities for fishermen, including a modern pontoon, improved landing and processing areas, and better access for vehicles transporting catches to market. The upgrades also make it easier for charter vessels to bring visitors into town, enhancing Teignmouth’s appeal as a destination for both locals and tourists.

The project was funded by Devon District Council, the European Fisheries Fund, and Teignbridge Council. Local fishermen have welcomed the improvements, seeing them as a way to secure the future of their industry and encourage the next generation to fish from Teignmouth. The new quay is not just about commercial fishing; it also supports recreational fishing and provides better access for leisure boating, making it a focal point for a wide range of maritime activities.

Fish Quay sits alongside the New Quay Inn and near the lifeboat station, with public landing steps and a pontoon for easy access. The area has seen several phases of development over the years, with the most recent overhaul designed to widen the quay and provide improved facilities for landing, sorting, and storing catches. This has brought significant commercial and community benefits, revitalising what was once a rather scruffy part of the harbour.

Teignmouth itself has a long history as a fishing port, dating back to at least the 13th century. The town’s fishing industry was once focused on herring, mackerel, and sprats, with local fishermen supplying both the local market and, historically, even the Newfoundland fisheries. Over time, as fishing declined, tourism became increasingly important, but the fishing heritage remains a vital part of the town’s identity.

Today, Fish Quay is a great spot not only for those interested in fishing but also for anyone wanting to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Teignmouth’s working harbour. It’s a wonderful place to observe the comings and goings of fishing boats, enjoy the views across the estuary, or simply soak up the maritime character that defines this charming Devon town.

If you’d like to see how I interpret the unique atmosphere of Fish Quay and Teignmouth in watercolour, please visit my website: www.timwilmotartist.com

Posted at 01:46 PM in Boats, Devon, Harbour, Reflections | | Comments (0)

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Polperro Harbour from Quay Road

Apr 27, 2025

Polperro Harbour from Quay Road

Polperro Harbour from Quay Road, watercolour 15" x 11"

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.

 

Posted at 09:17 AM in Boats, Cornwall, Harbour, Reflections | | Comments (0)

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Spithead, Datrmouth Harbour at Night

Mar 23, 2025

Spithead Datrmouth Harbour at Night

Spithead, Datrmouth Harbour at Night

When I painted this scene of Dartmouth at night, I wanted to capture the quiet beauty and atmosphere of the harbour under the glow of streetlights. The reflections on the wet pavement and the gentle shimmer of light on the water create a sense of calm and solitude. I was drawn to the interplay between the deep blues of the night sky and the warm yellows from the streetlamps, which contrast beautifully against each other.

Posted at 10:22 AM in Architecture, Boats, Devon, Harbour, Night, Rain & Wet, Reflections, Winter | | Comments (0)

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