Sussex - Daily Paintings

Jibacoa drawing

2011-02-11T11:05:00.003Z

Here's another drawing at Jibacoa on Cubas north shore. Slightly overcast today but the palms retain their majesty.

Jibacoa, Cuba

2011-02-10T17:08:00.004Z

This is a quick drawing on the beach at Jibacoa, about 100kms east of Havana. Beautiful foliage at the top of the beach and a the occasional stray dog that all seem to have a look that says " Sorry - I'm afraid we're not allowed to speak with tourists"

The Malecon, Havana, Cuba

2011-01-17T17:27:00.003Z

Welcome back! This is not Sussex but rather than starting a completely new blog I thought I'd add new paintings here each day. Spent a week in Cuba just after Christmas and made a few drawings and took a lot of photos. This is the Malecon. The waterfront promenade that runs for about 4 miles on the northern edge of the Cuban capital. More to follow.

Recent images

2010-01-16T14:08:00.002Z

Since July 2009 these daily paintings have been posted on another blog - Sussex 365 (see link on right). The images will be shown later this year at a location yet to be confirmed.

Pelham House, Lewes

2009-11-23T22:49:00.002Z

If you happen to be in Lewes, there are still two weeks to view a collection of these daily paintings at The Pelham House Hotel in the centre of the town. The exhibition finishes on the 8th December. Meanwhile you can see another selection of the work at 100 Hurst Road, Eastbourne as part of the Christmas Open Houses over the weekend of 5th and 6th December.

Congress Theatre - Eastbourne

2009-09-08T11:20:00.002+01:00

There has been a lot of column inches written about the new Towner building here in Eastbourne. It fits nicely on the end of the existing Congress Theatre which I've secretly always really liked. (detail shown here) Incidentally, we saw 'Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance' at the nearby Devonshire Park Theatre on Saturday. It was BRILLIANT.

Barcombe - near Lewes

2009-07-06T18:42:00.004+01:00

Coming back from Sheffield Park we came upon this lovely little corrugated iron building. There was no clue to it's current use but it looks eclesiastical. Anyone know? It's between the village and Barcombe Mills.

Muggy

2009-07-04T21:14:00.002+01:00

Really warn today but not brilliantly sunny until later on. A beautiful summer evening though - very calm. This is a view looking north near Falmer.

Near Falmer - looking east

2009-07-03T17:44:00.002+01:00

This is a view approaching Falmer from the south (Rottingdean) I'm fascinated by the 'farming lines' that occur in the landscape in a completely random way. This is looking east.

Near Cuckmere 2

2009-06-22T18:08:00.002+01:00

This is just along the road from the painting below. Not so sunny again today but very 'close' First day of Wimbledon and you can bet that now there's a retracting roof there will be no rain!

Near Cuckmere

2009-06-19T18:11:00.003+01:00

After the bright greens and pinks of the last few days, here's a 'quieter' study of a bend in the road just north of the turning by the public car park at Cuckmere Haven.

Wall and Palms

2009-06-18T17:44:00.002+01:00

Apparently a wealthy French developer visited Miami in the twenties and sought to re-create the same 'feel' in Juan Les Pins. Funny - I would have thought it had been the other way around. But wherever you look there are beautiful juxtapositions of the built and natural environment.

View from the balcony

2009-06-17T16:49:00.002+01:00

Last week Becky and I stayed at a lovely little hotel in Cap D'Antibes. It was a few minutes from a beautiful sandy cove with a little bar and views towards Nice. This a view from our balcony. I love holidays!

Beach family

2009-06-16T18:09:00.002+01:00

This is a study of a family at play on the beach. Again - Cap D'Antibes, not Eastbourne.

Back now!

2009-06-15T17:52:00.002+01:00

Many apologies to those who have been following this blog regularly. I had a week away with no internet access, so no daily paintings. Back now though after a beautiful week in Nice and Cap D'Antibes. For those that haven't ever been to the Cote D'Azur the colour of the sea is just incredible. One of those things you must see.

Changeable

2009-06-03T16:58:00.004+01:00

It was beautiful this morning and then came over cloudy and breezy this afternoon. This is looking from the Bandstand on Eastbourne promenade, eastwards towards the Pier.

Opposite The Grand

2009-06-02T17:06:00.002+01:00

Those of you who know Eastbourne well will recognise this view. It's looking out to sea on the Western Lawns opposite The Grand Hotel. The hedge is always very neatly trimmed.

Here we go again!

2009-06-01T17:57:00.003+01:00

Back again after a weeks break and a beautiful weekend. This is a study looking out from the Eastbourne lifeguard beach, early afternoon.

Sorry!

2009-05-29T16:40:00.004+01:00

It's been a bit of a funny week this one and I've been unable to create the daily paintings. All being well they'll start again on Monday. It's been the first week since April 2008 where I have not painted at least 4 paintings a week. If you've been around me recently, you'll know why!

Eastbourne Pier

2009-05-22T18:59:00.004+01:00

Many of my attempts at capturing the pier on bright spring days end up looking like the middle of winter. I fear this is the same. It was actually very sunny. Honest. SOLD 11.6.09

Another downs view

2009-05-21T17:14:00.003+01:00

I know, there have been a lot of these this week. It's just that the downs look so beautiful at the moment. I have a feeling that seasacpes will be featuring over the next week or so. This is a field near Ringmer.

Near Ringmer 4

2009-05-19T17:10:00.002+01:00

Travelled to Brighton this morning. Beautiful views over the downs particularly near Ringmer on the way back. I love the graphic lines formed by the daily farming procedures in these fields.

My favourite Road 17

2009-05-18T17:09:00.001+01:00

Bright and breezy today and quite warm in the sun. Here's a pastoral scene looking west from my favourite road that, if you've been following this blog features quite a lot!

My favourite Road 16

2009-05-15T12:23:00.001+01:00

Changeable weather today. Bright and breezy with dark skies early on. My favourite road again, near Ditchling Beacon, looking west.

French Market

2009-05-14T17:22:00.004+01:00

Here's an abstract study based on the French Market we had on the Promenade a couple of weeks ago.

Miami Beach, Eastbourne

2009-05-13T20:02:00.003+01:00

Here's a study of light playing on an unused beach hut on Eastbourne Seafront, with the shadows of palms playing on the side wall.

Sunset from Beachy Head

2009-05-11T17:33:00.002+01:00

This is a view looking out over the channel from Beachy Head (or did I imagine it?)

Seascape 14

2009-05-08T14:28:00.003+01:00

Another seascape. At certain times I feel the need to 'commune' with the sea and involve myself with it. That can mean looking at it, sitting by it or painting it.

Seascape 12

2009-05-07T16:45:00.002+01:00

I really felt like painting the sea today -so here it is. The water was not as blue as shown here but I felt I needed to use bright paint today. I usually work onto gesso prepared board, but this is actually linen covered gesso prepared board.

Near Alciston 2

2009-05-06T17:20:00.002+01:00

It's been a lovely week weatherwise. Really bright today but a sea mist has come over in the past hour or so. Here's a similar view to yesterday. I love the contrast and 'graphic drama' of the elevation of a slice of the downs.

Near Alciston

2009-05-05T18:05:00.003+01:00

The rape fields are starting to appear now, creating a beautiful contrast with the rich 'spring' green of the fields and downs. This is just before Alciston going towards Selmeston looking left from the A27.

2009-05-04T20:52:00.003+01:00

Drove over to Lewes on Saturday morning and came back via Ringmer and Glyndebourne. Just near the turn off to Glyndebourne there are some wonderful views of the downs. Here's one.

The Barn

2009-05-01T18:18:00.004+01:00

Another view of the barn between Eastbourne and East Dean. Really bright spring colours appearing now, with promise of a bright weekend ahead. (My birthday today by the way!)

Wish Tower Cafe 3

2009-04-30T18:07:00.003+01:00

Here's a view looking west from the bandstand towards The Wish Tower Cafe. I mentioned last week that It's ripe for development. The council have just publicly invited tenders from interested parties - so watch this space!

Bandstand 2

2009-04-28T18:00:00.001+01:00

A placid view of the bandstand on the seafront - looking East.

Eastbourne promenade

2009-04-27T16:52:00.002+01:00

After a beautiful weekend weatherwise, today is cold rainy and windy! Yesterday was a perfect early spring day - bright and breezy. This is looking towards the Queens Hotel on the promenade, early morning.

Seascape 11

2009-04-23T17:49:00.004+01:00

It seems that this week is becoming 'seascape week' At this time of the year I am particularly drawn to interacting with the sea. And painting it.

Seascape 10

2009-04-22T16:59:00.003+01:00

Another beautiful day today and another seascape. Calmer sea today and a few impressive swells. 'Surfs up, aboard a tidal wave, come about hard and join the young and often spring you gave. I heard the word, wonderful thing, a Childrens song. Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks - Surfs Up 1967

Wish Tower Cafe

2009-04-21T18:12:00.003+01:00

Another very recognizable Eastbourne landmark (though actually you wouldn't know it from THIS image!) and a wonderful location (ripe for sensitive redevelopment) Since posting this there has been publicity about developers being invited to tender for the site.

Seascape 9

2009-04-20T21:45:00.002+01:00

A beautiful day today. Spent a while on the seafront and though it's still a little cold the sea looked wonderful. Here we are looking out from the beach at the Wish Tower.

Eastbourne Pier 8

2009-04-17T20:02:00.005+01:00

I haven't painted the pier for a few months now. It's such a brilliant structure and the slight delapidation only adds to its charm.

Crowlink 3

2009-04-16T23:23:00.003+01:00

Here's a painting looking west from the car park at Crowlink. The grass is really green at the moment and there are plenty of signs of growth in the Sussex countryside.

Belle Tout 4

2009-04-15T23:23:00.004+01:00

Another beautiful day today and REALLY warm. This is looking up to Belle Tout lighthouse from the road. This building suits itself to being very graphic. Actually one of my big influences is the series of graphic images of San Francisco used to promote the city around the mid nineties.

View from the train

2009-04-14T17:52:00.003+01:00

Here's a view from the train between Lewes and Glynde, looking south out of the right hand window. I love the idea of the juxtaposition of the jet trail and the natural line of the downs.

Near Charleston Farmhouse

2009-04-13T19:32:00.004+01:00

Thanks to all who visted my Open House as part of the Eastbourne Festival over this past weekend. This is a painting I did today of a farm track near Charleston Farmhouse (facing South West) SOLD

Seascape 8

2009-04-08T23:13:00.002+01:00

This is a rather more 'developed' seascape. I love the sea - the look, the smell and the sound of it. In fact I'd like to be asked to paint the sea each day for a year. Any takers?

Long Man

2009-04-07T23:59:00.004+01:00

Another beautiful day today. I first painted The Long Man of Wilmington about 4 years ago when I made the original images for The House of Lords commission. Here's a new image painted today.

Spring!

2009-04-06T08:53:00.002+01:00

A beautiful Spring day yesterday. Really warm for most of the day. Went to the first boot fair of the year at Copall Farm near Polegate, (bought 3 brand new acrylic brushes, a nice frame and some divorce proceedings papers from the early sixties) then onto Alfriston early afternoon and ending up in Normas Bay later on. This is a view looking west, just south of High and Over.

Cuckmere Haven 5

2009-04-03T18:03:00.001+01:00

This is an early morning view from the west side of the river near the Golden Galleon.

Seascape 7

2009-04-02T22:52:00.003+01:00

Once I start painting seascapes I tend to do quite a few. How lucky we are to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline. This painting and the one I made yesterday are going to be on show at the Eastbourne Group of Artists show at The Casson Gallery at Eastbourne College during the upcoming Eastbourne Festival (April 11-26th) At the moment I've also got quite a few paintings on show at The Wingrove House Hotel in Alfrison. Call in and have a look (and say hi to Jackie!)

Seascape 8

2009-04-01T23:30:00.002+01:00

It was a beautiful day today. Warm, with a promise of warm days to come. This is looking out from a beach opposite the Grand Hotel on the seafront.

My favourite Road 15

2009-03-31T17:04:00.002+01:00

Here's a view looking West towards Lancing and Shoreham. Its fascinating to see the man made marks on the landscape. Tractor tracks and the like. Very warm today.

Dramatic Sky

2009-03-30T19:43:00.003+01:00

One day in the next month I'm going to spend A FULL DAY painting on my favourite road leading from Brighton to Ditchling Beacon. This is a painting from the car park (at the Brighton end of the road) looking west. SOLD 11.4.09

View from Exceat Bridge

2009-03-26T22:59:00.002Z

This is another view from the car park at the Golden Galleon at Exceat Bridge. If you visit Sussex once only there are several places you MUST see and this is one of them. The meander of the Cuckmere River is extraordinary and offers different charms at various times of the year.

Downland near Ringmer

2009-03-25T20:41:00.004Z

Here's another downland view from the road just outside of Ringmer near the turn off for Glyndebourne. Most of the paintings I've made over the past week or so are actually larger than the usual ones. They are 12" square instead of the usual 8" They are correspondingly more expensive too at £120.00 each unframed.

Downland near Alciston 2

2009-03-23T19:11:00.005Z

This is a view from the A27 between the Alfriston roundabout and Selmeston, looking south from the road towards the downs. NFS (as I really like it myself)

Bandstand 2

2009-03-20T13:23:00.003Z

Actually this is the left half of the painting below from yesterday. So - the painting is available as a whole or in 2 parts!
SOLD

The Bandstand

2009-03-19T17:45:00.004Z

This is an Eastbourne landmark known to many residents and visitors. The Bandstand on the promenade was built in the mid 30s and has been a venue for a wide range of events. I watched Miss Eastbourne here in the 70s and for over 20 years danced here every Boxing Day. SOLD

Seascape 7

2009-03-18T16:05:00.004Z

Beautiful weather again today, quite breezy. This is a sea study looking towards Hollywell. SOLD

Storm over Alfriston

2009-03-16T20:41:00.002Z

It's a funny one this. Today was the best day of 2009 weatherwise and I'm drawn to paint an impending storm. Why?
The sea was really calm today and it was quite warm. I'd been planing this painting for a few weeks. It's funny how it takes a beautiful sunny day to make me do it.

Near Lewes

2009-03-13T16:15:00.005Z

This a another view looking south over the south downs just outside of Lewes.

Long barn

2009-03-12T23:23:00.002Z

I've passed this barn thousands of times over the past twenty years and it has always appealed. It has an Andrew Wyeth feel to it and I've painted it a few times over the past year.

All white on the western front

2009-03-10T16:50:00.003Z

I know, I know, I go on all the time about how I can wait for spring, then I go and do a snowscene! This is based on a super quick study I did a couple of weeks ago when we had all that snow. It's the barn a mile outside of Eastbourne looking towards Beachy Head.

Cold and bright

2009-03-09T21:43:00.003Z

Travelled over to Seaford today and this is a view looking north east just before dipping down into Eastbourne from East Dean. Was nice and bright today but still a litle cold. The air was really clear for most of the day though.

Sorry!

2009-03-05T17:22:00.003Z

Aplogies to those of you around the world who look at this blog on a regular basis. For the past week or so I've been unable to spend the time every day for the daily painting (due to several publications being prepared for print) Rather than posting nothing, here's a piece I made recently using 'found' images. - 'Girls I danced with in 1936' (after Joseph Cornell)

Chair study

2009-03-03T23:43:00.002Z

Not an image of Sussex I know. Pretty bleak day weatherwise today so I decided to do a study of a chair in my studio.

My favourite road 14

2009-03-02T21:57:00.005Z

A loose study looking west from my favourite road near Ditchlng Beacon. There's a feeling that spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer and my eyes are beginning to itch. A sure sign that winter is on it's way out.

Seascape 6

2009-02-26T18:38:00.003Z

This is a view looking south on Friday morning, Quite breezy - nice white breakers. SOLD

Near Ringmer 3

2009-02-25T22:18:00.002Z

Had a meeting in Lewes today and drove back via Ringmer. This is a view of the downs just outside Ringmer driving from Lewes. A bit of a grey, damp day today but hey, spring is just around the corner!

Another reworking

2009-02-24T08:59:00.002Z

This is another reworking of a painting I made last year and was never really happy with it. It is a farm road near East Dean off the main road from Birling Gap to the village.

My favourite road 13

2009-02-19T17:43:00.002Z

This is a reworking of a painting of 'my favourite road' between Hollingbury and Ditchling Beacon, just north of Brighton.

Barn

2009-02-18T15:55:00.003Z

This is the barn at the top of the hill between Eastbourne and East Dean. A bit bleak today, grey and cold.

Windy tree

2009-02-17T17:15:00.005Z

This is another windbent tree on the road between Eastbourne and East Dean. Slightly more green appearing and though it was cold today, at times yesterday there was definitely a 'spring feel'.

Towner

2009-02-16T20:18:00.002Z

This is a view of the new Towner Cultural Centre next to the Congress Theatre. I've seen inside and it's BRILLIANT. I'm really looking forward to the official opening which should be early in April.

Alfriston Church

2009-02-12T17:18:00.002Z

Another beautiful day today. Chilly but sunny. Here's a bright daytime image of the church in Alfriston village.

Hurrah!

2009-02-11T17:27:00.003Z

Well, what a day! It was a beautiful, bright day today and I had a meeting in Brighton this morning so drove via Lewes quite early. This is a view looking south towards the downs near East Dean. SOLD

Alfriston

2009-02-09T22:17:00.003Z

Today was about the worst day weather wise EVER! Cold, rainy and windy but I bet that when I'm looking down to earth a hundred years from now I'd give anything to be back here in 2009! This is a view towards the downs from the road leading into Alfriston from the A27.

Alfriston Church

2009-02-05T23:36:00.002Z

Dropped off some paintings to The Wingrove House Hotel in Alfriston today. This is a view from the back of Moonrakers restaurant looking towards the church. It was a pretty bleak day today (with a little snow).

Near Exceat 3

2009-02-03T11:23:00.002Z

This is a view looking south from the cap park at Exceat Bridge at Cuckmere Haven (with snow!) SOLD

Snow

2009-02-02T09:36:00.006Z

After a weekend of freezing weather it finally started snowing last night. I love the way it changes the pace of daily life. Everything slows down a little as people take more care walking and driving. This is Hurst Road where I live and work. SOLD

Stormy sea: St Leonards

2009-01-30T23:20:00.003Z

Cold again today but a lovely choppy sea at St Leonards. Here's a view looking out to sea near the Marina.

Looking West

2009-01-28T20:36:00.002Z

This is another view looking westwards towards Beachy Head. The lighthouse is just beyond view beyond the point.
Am REALLY looking forward to Spring this year!

Towards Holywell

2009-01-26T21:36:00.003Z

This is a view towards Holywell from the promenade opposite the Grand. This has to be one of the most beautiful views you could ever see, particularly on a calm summers evening just before dark.SOLD

Canada, not Sussex

2009-01-23T23:24:00.006Z

Last year at about this time I flew to San Diego in California for a weekend course. As we entered the US from Cananda the view from the plane was extraordinary and I took a number of photographs with a view to creating a BIG painting of the man made and natural marks on the land. Here's a small study.

Eastbourne Pier 7

2009-01-22T16:34:00.003Z

Another view of Eastbourne Pier looking landwards on the left side of the pier. Apparently the gardens outside the Burlington Hotel (on the left of the picture) used to extend right to the waters edge. SOLD

Camber Sands

2009-01-21T23:56:00.006Z

Here is a view of (windswept) Camber Sands, an area that I really like. Though I think there is an opportunity for some alternative catering facilities on the beach. I first came here in 1964 and recall hearing 'Hold Me' by PJ Proby on a radio in a cafe on the beach. Whenever I hear the song I am transported back in time 45 years and can recall the smell of vinegar from the fish and chips.SOLD

The Citadel, Rye

2009-01-19T19:04:00.003Z

As I've mentioned before, I LOVE Rye! This is a view at the top of the town on a road adjacent to the church. I'd like to live here one day. I think it's something to do with the elevation and proximity to the sea.

Near Winchelsea

2009-01-16T16:46:00.006Z

As you approach Winchelsea from Icklesham there is a line of trees bordering a field that I've noticed for years. Here is a quick study of a few of them.

Wild and windy

2009-01-15T17:46:00.005Z

Went to Rye today (via Bexhill and Hastings) - Not much direct sunshine but fantastic views out to sea with a warmth appearing now and again. This is looking out near the marina in St Leonards at about 11am - SOLD

First day of Spring?

2009-01-14T20:29:00.005Z

I've been going on about the cold weather for weeks now. Well, today it all came good! The sun was out all day and I took my Mother over to Birling Gap for lunch. Here's a view looking East on the road to East Dean. Unapologetically jolly!

Wish Tower Cafe 2

2009-01-13T17:32:00.003Z

Here is another view (from a different viewpoint) of the Wishtower Cafe on Eastbourne seafront. It's in a fantastic location and could be put to a number a wonderful uses. At present it's a tea room and restaurant with a sun louge but there is real opportunity for development. (not for sale though!) as far as I know.

Rainy seascape

2009-01-12T16:34:00.004Z

After a week of freezing weather it's started to get a little warmer. But it's raining! Here's a seascape with gulls. I can't WAIT for the warmer weather this year! SOLD

My favourite road 12

2009-01-08T17:07:00.002Z

And here's another view of the road itself - looking North. All of the other paintings I've made of this area have been of the views to the west over the fields to the downland beyond.

My favourite road 11

2009-01-07T16:52:00.003Z

I know I've been going on about the cold lately but I think it has really been extreme this year. As a response to the cold I've painted an image of my favourite road near Ditchling Beacon. I just wanted to use some bright green again!

Birling Gap 2

2009-01-06T15:38:00.008Z

Here is another view of the beach at Birling Gap. For those that don't know it - this is a wonderful place at any time of the year regardless of the weather. Located a mile or so south of East Dean on the coast road to Eastbourne, it's certainly worth a visit. SOLD

Eastbourne promenade

2009-01-05T19:40:00.004Z

Here is a view familiar to Eastbourne residents. Looking west along the promenade just past the Wish Tower. It's a lovely view at any time of year and has been full of walkers over the past few weeks.

Birling Gap

2009-01-03T16:15:00.003Z

This is an abstracted view looking westwards along the beach towards Cuckmere Haven. It must start getting warmer soon!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T23:47:00.004Z

A new day, a new year and a new painting. Thanks to all of you who have viewed this blog since April and thanks to those who have purchased paintings from me. Happy New Year! This a new view of my favourite road near Ditchling Beacon.

Newhaven Harbour 3

2008-12-31T17:54:00.002Z

There's plenty of interesting views on the river at Newhaven. This is looking North, away from the sea.

Queens Hotel, Eastbourne

2008-12-30T17:26:00.004Z

A few weeks ago I took some photos on the seafront at dusk. It was raining and VERY windy. This is a painting looking east in front of the Burlington Hotel looking towards The Queens.SOLD