NAPA title

Paul Geraghty

St. Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom

The three paintings exhibited at the Mariner's Gallery 2003 are not about the particular radiant quality of light that has become synonymous with St. Ives. They are a response to the heavy, atmospheric, almost theatrical gloom that you occasionally find along the Penwith coastline on a cloudy day. It seemed appropriate, therefore, to start with a dark backdrop and add light. Initially through wet on wet (keeping the canvas damp with the aid of a water diffuser), a sense of light was added gradually by scumbles of paint, often applied with a rag. Glazes were used to tone down areas that had become too light, building up layers until a satisfactory resolution was acquired. Small details and accents could then be added to the dry surface to provide clarity.
Living in St. Ives my subject matter is perhaps naturally, the coastal scenery of the Penwith Peninsula. I am particularly interested in scenes where man made structures combine with the natural environment. Harbours, piers and lighthouses are a recurring theme.
Painting on a canvas primed with a finely textured acrylic ground, adds an interesting quality to the brushstrokes as the paint is dragged across the surface. I also prefer painting onto a dark background, applying areas of light onto the surface of the painting. I feel that I am creating a sense of space and form using light rather than building with shadow. In practical terms, when painting light over dark, it is important to use good quality, heavy body acrylic paint and have always been pleased with either Golden Acrylics or Liquitex.

pk@minerslamp.freeserve.co.uk

www.stivespainter.com

Works Exhibited

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