Works in Progress in the studio of artist John Huldrick Wilhelm

Perranporth Beach Oil Painting from Sketch

Perranporth beach oil painting in progress

Oil painting of Perranporth beach from a gouache sketch done on location.

I have recently returned from a trip to Perranporth in North Cornwall. I always find the place really inspiring and I this trip was no exception.

I made several sketches using gouache and a large water soluble pencil. I often used a toned ground on the paper.

Perranporth sketch
The original sketch in gouache...

One of the sketches stood out in the sketchbook. I loved the way the earth red ground came through the sky.

I have now started to work this up into an oil painting using a large palette knife to keep the loose feeling of the original sketch. I am currently working on this painting in the gallery so pop in and see the progress!

SeaEscape Two and Three

SeaEscape Two: Original painting acrylic on canvas. Canvas size 1.8m x .0.8m (6ft x 2ft 6")

SeaEscape Three: Original painting acrylic on canvas. Canvas size 1.8m x .0.8m (6ft x 2ft 6")

Above are the first pictures of two of the largest canvas' I have ever produced. Each one measures 1.8m x .8m. Both these pictures are now complete and are on display in the gallery and are currently available price £725 each.

They are a study of the movement of water and light across my favourite places - beaches and I have decided to call them SeaEscapes. I have plenty of inspiration on my walks to the studio in the morning along the seafront and beaches in Hastings.

If you would like to commission a similar painting or would like further information on these original paintings please contact the gallery.

Rye - Clock Tower - Watercolour

I have recently been working on a series of watercolours of Rye, East Sussex.

This is just one of the pictures I am still working on but it gives a flavour of what to expect. Prints will be available when the paintings are completed.

St. Mary's Church, Rye, Clocktower. Original watercolour on Bockingford® Paper

Morning Sky
Original painting acrylic on canvas Canvas size 16" x 16" Commenced 12th July 2009	Another of my paintings investigating the movement of shallow water across sand at the ebb of the tide. This painting underwent several different interpretations before finally ending up like this. I am very happy with the overall result. This original painting has recently sold.

SeaEscape One
	Original painting acrylic on canvas Canvas size 24" x 36" A new study of the movement of waves across sand at low tide based on observations made on my walks to the studio along Hastings beach. I have decided to call this series of paintings SeaEscapes because visitors to the gallery often comment on the calming effect of gazing into these images. This original painting is on now display in the gallery and is currently for sale. The painting measures 24" x 36" and is painted around the edges so it can be hung without framing. If you would like to commission a similar painting or would like further information on this original painting please contact the gallery.

Cornwall Coast Walk - Perranporth to St. Agnes

Stage 1
Roughed in colours in thinned paint quickly define the main composition of the painting.

Stage 2
More work on the sky and the sea start to bring the painting into life.

Original painting acrylic on canvas
Canvas size 30" x 24"
Commenced 12th March 2009 · Pictures updated 12th July 2009

A large scale painting from a smaller canvas sketch I completed during 2008. Based on a cliff walk from Perranporth to St. Agnes in North Cornwall. I am hoping to keep the loose feel to this and not get too drawn into the detail. I want it to be a painting with a feel of the air and the light.

The image on the left is the latest work on this canvas. On the right are some of the early stage in the painting development with only a few washes of colour marking out the main composition and colouring.

It is possible to follow the development of this picture from these pictures. Each day I return to the studio I learn something new about the picture and follow the instincts of the day. Sometimes this means the picture will take a new direction to that originally planned (each picture does have a life of its own!).

It is often a difficult path to tread between developing the image within the original thought process and losing the freshness of the first washes. Visit again to see the direction this picture takes.

LATE NEWS: In fact this painting has taken a dramatic turn. Looking at the painting in the studio I have decided that I don't like the yellow Gorse in the foreground. Brushes in hand this has now been completely changed. More pics soon!

This original painting has recently sold

The Seven Sisters · Eastbourne

Hastings Pier - Winter Sea

Original painting oil on canvas
Canvas size 30" x 30"

For this painting I am trying to catch the evening sky as the rain clouds receed over the Seven Sisters after a wet day giving way to a glorious evening.

It always seems to me that when you go out for a walk among the wonders of the South East that it will always rain untli the last moment as you return to your strating point - soaked! Then the clouds suddenly break and voila!

This painting is in the early stages and has been hanging around the studio for a while now - I hope to post more news on it soon!

Original painting acrylic on canvas
Canvas size 30" x 24"

This painting changed directly after a walk to the studio past the pier one windy morning. Taken by the incredible power and size of the waves I stood for over an hour watching the movement and committing it to memory. Then straight back to the studio and the sea was added from that fresh memory straight to the canvas. The picture has been untouched since then but I will soon be getting to grips with putting the finishing touches. Hope not to spoil the feeling though!

This painting is currently reserved.