Low Cloud Over Holcombe Head
24th August 2026
Low cloud over Holcombe Head, painted in oils using just cerulean, crimson and white. This familiar headland serves as a useful motif for exploring simplification, colour and texture. While the rock face is complex, I am aim for broad shapes and scale rather than strict accuracy. The small stack, Shag Rock, is crucial for recognisability despite the simplification.
Initially, I attempted to colour match the distinctive red breccia cliffs of Holcombe Head during my first few paintings. However, I’ve since experimented with colour combinations based on the prevailing conditions. Interestingly, the combination of crimson and cerulean appears quite accurate for low-light scenes. The textures in the painting are also influenced by conditions like mist or low cloud, creating a blend of hard, soft and lost edges.
Initially, I attempted to colour match the distinctive red breccia cliffs of Holcombe Head during my first few paintings. However, I’ve since experimented with colour combinations based on the prevailing conditions. Interestingly, the combination of crimson and cerulean appears quite accurate for low-light scenes. The textures in the painting are also influenced by conditions like mist or low cloud, creating a blend of hard, soft and lost edges.