ILFRACOMBE

I like the texture of the painting, nice compostion

Its quite effective. Very nice painting

Attractive painting Fred, good use of the texture paste.

Lovely light on the sand which contrasts so well with the richly dark rocks. Lovely painting. P.S. I spent my first (slightly dirty, but innocent by today's standards) weekend with my husband, who was then only my boyfriend, at Ilfracombe in 1965 - my it takes me back!!)

Thank you ladies for your great comments, and Thea, glad it brought back happy memories for you

Nice work, Fred.

Very nice and atmospheric painting, Fred!

I've never used texture paste - on the whole I prefer heavy-bodied acrylic, eg Cryla, which can be alternated by more liquid/fine-grain brands, eg Winsor and Newton's and Chromacolour. My fear is always that I'll be caught up with the enthusiasm for artificial (as it were) textures and neglectful of the properties of the paint itself. I sometimes recoil a bit from the use of materials like sand in paintings (for instance) - it doesn't so much add texture as destroy the illusion which paint creates.... In my opinion! And that might be worth damn' all.... I like the painting, but think you might be right that if you're going to go for texture, then really go for it and don't hang back. I do think it's difficult, though; the judgement required is a fairly subtle thing. Maybe you were too cautious this time? Maybe you didn't need the texture paste at all .... Probably the only way to find out for sure is to keep experimenting with it; not neglecting the application of pure and simple paint.

Thank you so much Robert for your expertise, I am sure you are absolutely right. I have never used it before so thought I would give it a try. I will try a few more experiments. But as you say, it could become gimmicky! Once again,really appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Another lovely piece, Fred, in your inimitable style, with great atmosphere and light.

Thank you Seok, thats a lovely comment. I've often wondered wether people would recognise my paintings in a collection of assorted artists!