Earlier in July I joined EAGMA members for a few enjoyable days painting up in Staithes. The weather wasn’t very kind so painting opportunities were a bit hampered but we all made the most of things and it was good to see a part of the UK coast I’ve never explored before. Everyone made me feel very welcome and we stayed in an excellent Georgian apartment just a stone’s throw from the harbour.

I tended to work small as the weather was so changeable. I often think the rapid switches from sun to heavy cloud/rain are some of the most difficult to deal with when working outdoors. It’s comparable to painting a still life and having someone keep turning the lamp on and off….infuriating!!

Anyway, here’s a few that made the trip home….

Almost got blown off the harbour wall by the incoming squall whilst painting this one below and lost a couple of brushes and my turps pot into the rocky depths below. I was perched on some giant boulders to get the elevated view of the ‘sparkle’ and nearly got blown off. Those distant clouds were actually heading straight towards me and I was rather taken by surprise at how quickly and violently it suddenly whipped up. At least the painting survived…just!

 
‘Bright sparkle at Cowbar Head, Staithes’ – oil, 6x8in. 
 
Small size was the only option here really as the light/shadows moved so fast….
 
‘Evening light looking down the Beck, Staithes’ – 6x8in, oil on board. 
 
 
‘Morning light towards the harbour, Staithes’ – 8x10in, oil on board

 

 
‘Artist painting at the Smugglers’ – 11x15in, oil.
 
This one above is my friend Andrew King who kindly let me paint him whilst we sheltered from the deluge. We had our fair share of wet weather and I got thoroughly soaked painting this one below.

  

 
‘Low tide and drizzle, Staithes’ – 8x10in, oil on board. 
 
I had to work lightning fast for this one below as the light was fading. Managed to capture something which was a relief as I’d spent most of the day wiping off disastrous efforts in the pouring rain!
 
‘Late light on the terrace, Staithes’ – 6x14in, oil.

 

 
‘Cowbar wharf, Staithes’ – 8x16in, oil on board

 

‘Down in the Beck, Staithes’ – 11x14in, oil on board

 

‘Odin, Port Mulgrave’ – 12x16in, oil on board

Below is the abseil route I had to take to get down to paint the boats and clutter at Port Mulgrave!