12/08/2026
Controversial opinion from someone who paints nature for a living… I hate the beach. 😂
There. I said it.
I hate sand. I hate the feeling of it on my skin. I hate that it gets EVERYWHERE. Just thinking about sandy feet makes me shudder.
Give me a quiet woodland, towering trees and a forest floor any day. That’s where I find my peace.
But the boys? They LOVE it.
So yesterday I sat on the sand, got my paints out and watched Chip completely in his element.
The sea might not be my peaceful place, but I can recognise it in someone else.
I started playing with the colours and composition while he was in the water; nothing precious, just a little doodle in my sketchbook. And that’s where so many of my paintings begin. A few colours. A shape. A feeling I want to remember.
And these photos do hold lovely memories. But, because Instagram is Instagram, they’re also not the whole story. 😂 There were tired children, sandy everything, and Teddy rounded the afternoon off with an epic meltdown because his shoes were wet and sandy. Which, to be fair, I had some sympathy with. 🤦🏻♀️
So, important question: beach or woodland?
And choose carefully. 🌲😂🌊
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watercolour artist, British artist, UK artist, Wiltshire artist, contemporary watercolour artist, nature inspired artist, nature inspired art, artist sketchbook, sketchbook practice, painting process, creative process, behind the scenes artist, painting from life, watercolour sketch, plein air painting, beach painting, seascape painting, coastal art, family inspired art, motherhood and creativity, finding inspiration in everyday moments, Rebsey Art Studio, Lanzerote, summer holiday, family holiday, family abroad