Lansdown Art Club: Gem Bowden paints a the Cornish beach of Bedruthan Steps

THE Cornish beach of Bedruthan Steps was brought to life by the brush of Gem Bowden at Lansdown Art Club’s meeting on June 14.

The tide being out, the rocks and cliffs formed the main interest of the picture, while the stretch of wet sand acted as a soft foil.

Using red and blue watercolour he started to paint in the cliffs, having given the picture a blue sky with the usual English clouds.

Once the background was achieved, bringing the eye from just off centre, to the right of the picture, giving the effect of the cliffs wrapping around the back of the beach, he then used stronger colour purple to produce shadows.

The focal point was the very large, free standing rock a little way from the cliffs.

This was painted in the strongest colour although, after the break, he decided it was too strong for the picture so he demonstrated how to lighten parts of it by lifting the paint off.

The wetness of the sand was done with burnt sienna, the water with pale ultramarine, while the purple mix gave shadows and figures.

A bright focal point was given with the addition of a blue and yellow windbreak.

A wash for the cloud shadow was applied when the paint was totally dry.

This was a mix of India Red and Ultramarine applied with a large brush.

This made the windbreak and rocks stand out even more.

To finish the picture he added footsteps in the sand and further dark colour on the front side of the cliffs, caves and seaweed.

As he worked he explained that he likes to work at a 40 degree angle, he prefers to see brush strokes rather than too smooth a finish and he likes to have some soft and some hard edging to subjects.

Janet Rose won the Picture of the Month with a pastel seascape, very appropriate for the evening.

The next two meetings are outdoor painting sessions.

Both days will have meeting times of 10am and 2pm.

Tuesday, July 12, is to be in the car park at Saul while Tuesday, August 9, is outside the main entrance to the Museum in the Park.

After each day we shall make our way to Sainsburys cafe for 6pm when we hope to be joined by members who are unable to attend the outdoor session, for food, if required, followed by a discussion of the day’s achievements. Please note that the cafe closes at 7pm.

The September meeting is as usual, Tuesday, 13, 7.30pm, at Sainsburys cafe when Holly from Kendrick Street Art Shop will hold a demonstration and workshop.

Lansdown Art Club will have stand in the craft tent at Stroud Show on July 16.

We will have someone painting as well as having cards, unframed pictures and bookmarks for sale.

Members will be pleased to give information of the club and its programme to anyone who is interested.

You do not have to be brilliant to join us!