Coastlines I Love and Draw ...

March 11, 2024

I have lived by the ocean for 8 years. Having grown up in landlocked Nottinghamshire and spent most of my life in Sheffield, which is as far away as you can get from the sea in England, then I have developed a thirst for being by water. As a triple Cancerian, I’m happy when I am immersed in water, whether it’s a dip in the sea or a soak in the bath. Coastlines soothe me, seeing the ocean lap at the cliffs, roll in along the beach and letting my eyes relax on a distant horizon.

 

I love the coastline of Devon, from mysterious, craggy coves, to long, golden sandy beaches, such as in my old hometown of Exmouth. I always have a walk along the beach whenever I return. Here are some of my favourite coastal locations on my Devon illustration … the only county in England with two, separate coastlines!

 

I now live in Eastbourne, which also has an amazing coastline. The dramatic white cliffs at Beachy Head, reach up from the sea and one of my favourite walks, is up and over the Seven Sisters, to the west of the town, labelled as the Sunshine Coast of England!

 

I was recently in Rhode Island, which has an amazing coastline, with lots of watery inlets, dotted with beautiful, heritage lighthouses. My favourite is Prudence Island just outside Providence and I love how the bridge spans the Block Island Sound. A great thing about the coast is the amazing, fresh seafood and Rhode Island, with its lobsters, mussels and clams, is abundant in le fruits de mer.

 

Heading towards warmer climes, Andalucia has an amazing coastline. Moorish castles overlook the miles of golden sand. Can you spot Picasso? A favourite place for me here is Cadiz, I love wandering around the ancient port, stopping off for some tapas and manzanilla from time to time.

 

A coastline that I am desperate to return to is the Gower Peninsula in Pembrokeshire. It’s been 40 years since I walked on the sandy beaches, and I hope to head here in my camper van later this year. I love to see the sailing boats bobbing up and down on the sea, the paddleboarders and surfers sharing the sea with dolphins, puffins and seals, all whom feature in my illustration of this beautiful corner of Wales.

 

 

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