‘Rockpool, Daisy Island (North Berwick)’. Mixed media on 8×8″ wood panel

‘Berwick Law from Daisy Island’. Acrylic on 8×8″ wood panel

‘Bass Rock and Waves. Acrylic on 8×8″ wood panel

Three finished works of the Bass Rock for the Greens and Blues gallery in North Berwick.

I had to create the obligatory Bass Rock painting, not that it’s a chore since I love the shape of the Bass Rock, but when I’m at the beach it’s the rock pools I find fascinating.

Daisy island is a tidal island so you can walk across to it at low tide, though it’s also a bird sanctuary so sometimes it’s restricted. What I wanted to capture here is the way it feels like a safe haven, even the grass is incredibly springy and soft, you can throw yourself on it without injury should that wish arise. When I was a kid I practiced somersaults and cartwheels there, and to this day I partake in a forward and backward somersault when I visit. I also find it easy to meditate there.

The lichen on these gnarly basaltic vocanic rocks is acid yellow (I used cadmium yellow straight from the tube) and in autumn the rock pool reflections have an incredible clear gold clarity. Really enjoyed painting these today!