Finishing an En Plein Air Painting at Mawgan Porth There is something rather satisfying about reaching the stage of a painting where even the edges of the canvas are getting their finishing touches. This en plein air painting of Mawgan Porth has been created right here on the beach, surrounded by the rocks, changing skies and Atlantic sea that inspired it. For me, painting outdoors has never been simply about reproducing a pretty Cornish view. When you sit in the landscape and really look, you begin to notice so much more. The strength and direction of the light. The way colours change as they recede into the distance. The geology beneath the landscape. The movement of the sea. Perspective, atmosphere, reflections and all those tiny visual clues our eyes receive but our brains can so easily overlook. That is also at the heart of the way I teach art. After ten years painting and teaching at Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, one of my greatest pleasures is helping people discover that drawing and painting aren’t mysterious talents reserved for a lucky few. There are principles behind what we see, and once you begin to understand them, you can make your own artistic decisions rather than relying on copying someone else’s technique. Whether I’m working on my own artwork or teaching an art lesson on Mawgan Porth beach, I’m still looking, questioning and learning from what is actually in front of me. And sometimes that means turning the canvas sideways and remembering that the edges deserve a little attention too! 🎨🌊 Art lessons are available at Mawgan Porth and elsewhere in Cornwall, as well as through Zoom and my online art masterclass. Photographs shared with permission.