South Shields Seascapes

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Here's the finished series of Waves at South Shields. I've substantially revised the first three paintings, recently posted in the gallery, and rather than resubmitting them I'm posting all seven together (the number is growing), here, in WIP. It took some getting to the finish line, what with the seemingly endless revisions of colour, tone and shape but I'm pretty much finished now. See what you think and please feel free to offer picky critique. Can I also say a big thankyou to all those who commented on the previous submissions. The unrevised paintings are still in my gallery. I do have a favourite btw. Since posting these paintings I've slowly added to the series and expect about three, possibly four more. I've revised one of the revisons LOL, adding the new version. The titles, in order, are: 1 Lost at Sea (was Finding Flotsam) 2 Trow Rock from the Dunes 3 Onshore Wind 4 Drama at Marsden Rock 5 Marsden Rock from the Clifftop 6 The Sisters of Trow Rocks 7 Breaker Over Trow Rock Here's a revision of the above painting. Here's fifth in the series, possibly more to come. Here's a sixth, with more to follow once I've completed my research.

Edited
by Beemax

Four tremendous works, Brian. I have huge admiration for your skills. I love them all, but all of us will have a favorite. Mine is 'Trow Rock from the dunes.' It's those tiny figures on the headland, the gulls, and the grass in the foreground that swing it for me. It's a fad of mine that I like to see animal and human life in landscapes, I can't imagine any beach without seabirds. Great work. Lew.
Thank you very much indeed, Lew and Tessa, for the super comments. Always appreciated. I think the figures and gulls have made a big difference to Trow Rock, Lew, and you were the one who prompted me to add them to the painting, if memory serves. So thanks for that and thanks for the humbling compliments. It was a combination of pleasure and frustration, Tessa, as ever, but I'm happy with the final result. It was such an irresistible day by the sea, because days like this are not too common. I just happened to stumble across the scene and ended up taking 57 photos. I tried like mad to capture something of the flavour of the turbulent sea, knowing it would take more than one painting. I have a couple of good oblique photos that might make it into the series. *smile* Best to both Bri

Edited
by Beemax

Really must get these varifocals checked again - I thought you'd included a parakeet in your painting at the top.... 'wossat?', I thought; until taking a closer look. I have found painting the sea difficult, because I tend to try putting too much in it: this comes of looking at it too much (I live next to it). So I'm studying your paintings with a view to shamelessly cribbing.
Thank you very much, Dixie, for the super comments. Much appreciated. The funny thing is, I always find the one I'm working on at the time to be my favourite; until I get used to it. After a couple of weeks a touch of balance sets in and a favourite emerges. Delighted you liked this series. I really do appreciate the comments. Bri

Edited
by Beemax

Thank you very much, Marjorie, for dropping in to comment. Always appreciated. I'm really pleased you liked this series, delighted, in fact, and you've chosen my favourite to boot. It was the last one to be painted and that always has an effect, so maybe in a couple of weeks I'll change my mind. Who knows? *smile* The funny thing was, my son and I only popped out to see if we could find a game of pool somewhere. I took 57 photos before we laid hands on a cue. I paid for the beer. Jack was very patient. lol Bri

Edited
by Beemax

I've just added my fifth in the series and there'll be more. There's a section of coast between Trow Rock and Marsden Bay that's seldom seen by the public, especially tourists, because the area is fairly rocky and a tad inaccessible; although there are paths if you know what you're doing. I'd love to complete the series by filling in the gaps. Definitely a project to consider and I'll complete the research next time I'm in the North East. Maybe three oils would cover it. Bri
Thanks, Alan, for the very kind and interesting comments. Always appreciated. I liked the idea of creating a topographical reference for myself and other interested parties, whoever they may be, and really feel quite excited by the prospect/opportunity, now that I've decided to go ahead. There are some super rock formations, including a natural tunnel running from one cove to another. The cliffs are also very imposing, with huge boulders at their base. Then, of course, there's the sea. Your own Spanish series is a labour of love, it would seem, but so far your efforts have been right up there with the best. I look forward to the progression, given the wonderful opportunity and fabulous Med colours; to say nothing of the perpetual haze that hangs over the horizon during the summer months. It sounds great. It's a strange game this painting lark. *smile* Best Bri

Edited
by Beemax

Then there were six. I've also added a revised version of painting 3. Bri
Thank you very much indeed, Picture, for dropping in to comment and for making some salient points. Much appreciated. I frequently add seagulls to my seascapes, as a matter of course, but sometimes leave the sea to itself. I love, love, LOVE to see seabirds in a seascape and couldn't agree with you more. They bring a painting to life, I think, whilst helping to provide a touch of believability to the scene. You quite rightly mention scale, because this is one of the major problems with seascapes, where it's difficult for the viewer to get a handle on the size of everything. It's definitely worthy of consideration every time. Bri

Edited
by Beemax