Kernow Inspirations

Capturing the beauty of Cornwall and Tuscany through art

Norway Square

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Among the bustling streets of St Ives in Cornwall is a small, atmospheric square providing a peaceful place to sit and spend time. The buildings that surround you are a haphazard mix with no roofline, chimney, door or window the same. I focus on the history of this peaceful square when I sit to sketch and draw my ideas together for completing the work in my studio.

Tuscan Landsapes

I visit the medieval town of Casole d’Elsa in Italy each year. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, valleys and olive groves. As I look out from the town walls many narrow, winding roads lined with cypress trees, lead to remote hamlets. In my paintings I aim to capture the intangible qualities that make Tuscany such a special place

Cornish Coastline

I am a regular visitor to the town of St Ives in Cornwall and walks along the coastal paths become part of my daily routine. The wide expanse of sea and land capture my imagination, as do the rocky headlands and distant landmarks such as Godrevy lighthouse. I am drawn to capture the patterns and movement that I see on my walks. I enjoy spending time sketching in this inspiring landscape, taking images to work up to paintings in my studio.

Smeaton's Pier

Over many years Smeaton’s Pier has been developed to protect the town from the power of the sea. Walking along the pier, I pass the place where the original pier ended, and the new extension was added. Continuing to the end, I reach the newest lighthouse but look back to see the original lighthouse and the old wooden pier now mere wooden posts constantly eroded by the sea.

About Jane

Jane, based in North Wales, finds inspiration in the stunning landscapes of Cornwall and Tuscany. Semi retirement, an 'empty nest' and her first visit to St Ives was the spark that began her love and involvement in the world of art. Her passion for art developed by completing the Porthmeor Programme at the St Ives School of Painting.

"There are certain places that have inspired my love of art and have provided the motivation for me to develop my painting. In these places, I spend long periods of time walking and sitting as I absorb the atmosphere that surrounds me. I develop a deep knowledge of each place, including the historical background and the influence this has had on the place as it is today. Each of my paintings begins with sketches made outside. Back in my studio, I begin with a base of acrylic paint and then I begin to build up layers in my work. I use a range of media that includes oil paint, pastels, ink and collage. Developing depth and texture in my work is important to me, as are the small details that were part of my original sketches. Although my work begins as a figurative image, it frequently develops into something more abstract as I create the painting. The focus of my work is usually a significant moment in time when the weather has had a memorable impact on the light or movement of the place I am in. It is these moments when I feel a magic that inspires my painting'

Jane has exhibited at the Penwith Gallery, St Ives; Verrocchio Centro D'Arte, Tuscany; and the St Ives Society of Artists. She is a member of the Visual Artists Association and an associate member of the Penwith Gallery.

"Join me in a stroll through this series of paintings and prints inspired by frequent walks along the southwest coastal path, from the Hayle Estuary to Clodgy Point. Notice the colour and movement of the sea across St Ives Bay. Look for the iconic landmarks of Godrevy Lighthouse, Smeaton's Pier and St Nicholas Chapel. Feel the atmosphere created by the weather, perhaps a stormy night or the peaceful calm of a sunrise. Pause for a moment in the quiet atmosphere of Norway Square or take time to gaze into the rock pools on Porthmeor beach'. Jane's work includes multimedia semi abstract paintings, collograph prints and layered monoprints.

Whispers of Places

Upcoming solo show at the Salthouse Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall

From Saturday 14th June to Friday 20th June 2025