Sand dunes at Holywell Bay #2

The bright blue sky in Cornwall always gives me a great feeling when I start a new painting. I wanted to show the high contrast between the warm sand and the cool shadows of the grass. To get that deep sky, I used a mix of cobalt blue and cerulean blue at the top. I let the wash get lighter as it moved down towards the land. It is important to keep your washes clean so the light really glows on the paper.

A student recently asked me how to make sand look interesting without using too much detail. My secret is to use a light wash of yellow ochre and then add some lavender or neutral tint for the shadows while the paper is still damp. This helps the colours blend softly. The shadows cast by the dunes are not just grey. They have bits of blue and purple in them which makes the whole scene feel more alive and sunny.

I used a dry brush technique for the sea grass at the top of the dune. By using a thick mix of viridian green and burnt sienna on a dry surface, I can create those rough and sharp textures. The long shadows stretching across the sand help to show the shape of the ground. I like how the dark lines lead your eye up the hill and towards the bright green at the top.

This painting of Holywell Bay is for sale. If you would like to own this piece or want more details about the size and price, please contact me for more information. I really enjoyed capturing the summer mood of this coastal spot. It is all about the balance between the bright light and the dark shapes.