There is a specific kind of magic that happens on the Malvern Hills at dawn. As a Worcester artist, I have walked these paths more times than I can count, yet the hills never wear the same face twice. One morning they are draped in a moody, indigo mist; the next, they are set ablaze by a golden sunrise that turns the gorse into liquid fire.
In my recent work, such as ‘Good Morning, Malvern Hills!’, I wanted to move beyond a simple topographical map of the ridge. My goal was to capture the vibration of the air and the emotional resonance of standing at the summit. Oh, and Elgar’s music gently whispering in my ears…
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The Creative Process My process always begins with observation. I look for the way the light carves out the valleys and how the shadows dance across the Worcestershire plain. While I am classically trained in traditional oil painting techniques - a foundation that allows me to build depth and luminosity - I have recently embraced acrylics for their immediacy. This allows me to capture those fleeting impressionist moments before the light shifts.
When you look at a painting like ‘Malvern Hills - Cloud Overture’, you aren’t just seeing a landscape; you’re seeing thirty years of my technical evolution meeting a lifelong love for this part of the world. View it at the lovely Purple Gallery in Bournville .
https://worcesterartist.co.uk/products/malvern-hills-cloud-overture-original-painting
Further afield, you just cannot stop feeling mesmerised by the gem of Gloucestershire, Symonds Yat, which is another favourite place of mine you can view at Abbey Galleries in Pershore:
Where to See the Work For those who wish to see the scale and texture of these original paintings in person, I am proud to be represented by several wonderful local curators. You can currently find a selection of my original landscapes and limited edition prints at:
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Abbey Galleries (Pershore and Tewkesbury)
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Purple Gallery (Bournville, Birmingham)
- my website, of course!
Expert Tip for Collectors: When choosing a landscape for your home, consider the ‘window effect.’ A large-scale Malvern Hills landscape painting doesn't just decorate a wall; it creates an opening into the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, bringing the peace of the outdoors into your living space.
Do you have a favourite spot on the Malverns where the light feels just right? I’d love to hear about your favorite walks in the comments below.