Water

Water

Began as a classic seascape, I saw a boat waiting quietly. For whom is it waiting? West country born and bred, I saw a fishing boat? A smuggler’s escape? Tennyson’s lines of “boat crossing the Ocean of Life.…” re-echoed. So what will your adventure be?

Amongst crimson coral reefs, I saw the golden flash of fins and tails from shoals swimming round and above me. Little movements of plants and sea creatures were all silent communicating with these streaks of light in the peaceful tranquility of the ocean.

Here, warm colours of Dorset cliffs and rocks contrast with cool blue sea. I saw a boat waiting quietly in the rock aperture: Noah's Ark formed. Calligraphic patterns denote storm waves and hidden caves - above all, the dove flies free and peacefully

Sun blazing down on the lake, the pen sits serenely on her nest as the cob glides past. As in a fairy tale, the door in the wall opened; a lady appeared. I added the symbolic bridge on which she stands. Is she calling the Swans? Or have they called Her?

Chinese brushes create the golden red/orange mystery of the goldfish. Stillness suspended, the timelessness of fish in clear light from above is enhanced by sunlit white air bubbling through water, its graceful movements protected and encircled by plants.

Amongst El Quesir’s crimson coral reefs, two fish flashed. Golden light filtering through water caught tails, fins, plants and sea creatures, their watery ultramarine movements round and above me silently communicating the ocean’s tranquility and peace.

Three kilometres of ramparts surround this atmospheric medieval town with its ancient half-timbered houses. Crossing over the bridge, we turned to look back at the quayside buildings and at the town perched on a hill overlooking the River Rance.

Its rays glinting on waves and rocks, yellow merges with red as the sun appears; and the landscape begins to look immense, universal and primal. Four tiny figures stand watching the sunrise - the number four symbolising wholeness, totality and completion.

Figures watch the sun disappearing behind the horizon. As colours merge, the landscape diminishes, breaking up into vertical splashes and sharp lines; but the the sun’s rays still glint on the blue waves and violet rocks…. and a boat appears…….

A textured seascape in blues, purples, gold and silver capture the dramatic effect of light on this magical creature. The creative act of painting reaffirms our connection with the Divine; and the Turtle, symbolising longevity, is confirmation of this.

70,000 fishermen or farmers live on or around these artificially created floating gardens. Lapping water, traditional agriculture, clanking oxen bells, lowing bullocks contrast with the colourful frenzy and cacophony of sounds from visiting tourist boats.

Moving gently, patiently, slowly through timeless oceans, its stillness symbolises peaceful protection. Sharp eyes move in separate directions: its strong tail holds onto objects even in rough water. Motionless calm suspended, it can meet any challenge.

Sparkling light and water, horizon and sky blend into a harmonious whole on this timeless Jurassic coast. Balanced symbolically between two rocks are the figure silhouetted beneath the fading sun and the dwelling place, creating a natural sense of peace.

Colours evolve, the movement of light on the sea created by fading with water. Conveying the idea of safe land nearby is the suggestion of mountains; three birds gliding through the light tunnel of pale yellow indicates the strength of spiritual energy…