Footbridge across the wetlands, Holywell Bay, Cornwall

I painted this sunny view of the little footbridge and path across the wetlands at Holywell Bay in Cornwall. The morning light made long shadows from the railings and led the eye towards the dunes and the distant cliffs. I kept the mood fresh and airy, with strong darks in the bushes and simple shapes for the hills. This original watercolour is for sale, so please contact me if interested.

For the sky I laid a quick wash of cerulean with a touch of cobalt, keeping some soft clouds by lifting with a damp brush. The distant slopes were dropped in while the sky was still a bit damp, using a light mix with ultramarine and a hint of burnt sienna so the edges stayed soft. On the path I warmed things with a thin glaze that leans towards quinacridone gold, then added cooler shadows with ultramarine and alizarin to make a gentle violet. These colour shifts help the light feel real without a lot of fuss.

The greens are simple but varied. I mixed spring green with viridian and nudged it bluer with cobalt in the shade, then tapped in a few darker accents for the hedges. I left little sparks of paper on the rail tops for sunlight, and popped a touch of white paint on the posts at the end for a crisp sparkle. Dry brush marks suggest grasses along the path, and a few flicks and tiny splashes add life without overworking.

If painting this yourself, think first in big shapes. Draw the sweep of the path and fence, then paint from light to dark, keeping shadows in one go so they stay clean and lively. Try the fence shadows with a mix of burnt sienna and ultramarine, and let them taper across the ground to show the curve. I hope this scene of Holywell Bay gives a taste of coastal air and a calm walk to the beach. Do visit the rest of my website www.timwilmotartist.com and come join my painting club on patreon/timwilmot for weekly demos, critiques, and chat. Check it out for a free trial.