Chemical Beach

Values, recession, chroma all nagging away in the back of my mind, I decided to return to a spot I painted a couple of weeks ago. This is an interesting beach, named after an adjacent chemical works that existed in the early part of the last century. The headland beyond has a number of facets not visible and collectively they are known as Noses Point. Whilst these beaches have long been frequented by sea anglers they have been cleaned up in recent years and are becoming popular spots for locals to walk along newly created cliff top paths. A coast that was despoiled by various industries, particularly the coal industry, is being returned to a more natural state. One of the few benefits to the area of the demise of the main source of employment.

The painting was attacked with an expanded palette. Ultramarine replaced Indathrone Blue and Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Lemon were added to Naples Yellow, Venetian Red and Titanium White. Hopefully, increased chroma in the foreground has created a greater illusion of recession and a little more interest. Maybe another step along the way has occurred.

Chemical Beach - Oil on canvas board 12" x 10"