Ive been enjoying finishing up some wave paintings including this large oil on canvas . In this work I was focusing on the dramatic impact as the wave begins to fold and explode into sparkles and mist.
oil on canvas 28x42inches
Summer on the water
This summer has seen me out with my step son Ben getting reference for a new series of paintings focused on the open sea. We’ve been out in some really big seas getting some very dramatic reference which I will explore over the winter in a new series of paintings.
On location off Nomans fort, gathering reference material for a new series of paintings
J Class Endeavours trial races with Velsheda
during the season of 1934 the J Class Endeavour had a series of informal races with the J Class Velsheda that had been launched in 1933. it had been agreed by the New York Yacht Club that should Endeavour not prove to be as fast as Velsheda then Velsheda could be substituted as the 1934 challenger for the Americas Cup. I’m currently working on a few ideas to depict the second such race off the Needles Isle of Wight. In this race Velsheda lead across the line with Endeavour on her stbd windward quarter. Endeavour with hew new double sheeted jib(later termed Quad) soon proved her superior windward ability by overhauling Velsheda and leading around the windward mark. below are some of my initial ideas.
Summer Days
completed commission “Summer Days” oil on canvas 28x42
I’m so pleased to have completed this commission Summer Days. This was a great collaboration project with the clients who wanted to combine various different elements from other paintings they had seen of mine into one new painting.
The painting went through a period of consultation involving different combinations of the elements the clients wanted to combine before we reached a final concept that was used as the basis of the painting above .
to enquire about commissioning your own painting please contact my via my contact page.
Return of the J Class Cameos
here are a couple detailed cameos showing the after decks of both Velsheda and Endeavour.
Cameo of Endeavours afterdeck
Cameo of Velsheda’s afterdeck
Return of the J Class
Im so pleased to have completed the first of a new series of paintings depicting the famous J Class racing at Antigua in 1999. this regatta is remembered as the first time sine 1937 that 3 J class race race together. In this first canvas we see the J class Endeavour leading the newly Restored J Velsheda , both are closely followed by the oldest and smallest of the Js the 1930 americas Cup challenger Shamrock V
Return of the J Class Antigua 1999
Getting my feet wet again
My first wave of 2021 is progressing well. I’m keen to develop my brush work in this small painting to replicate the way we see a moving wave.
Latest commission completed
My final completed painting of 2020 . It was commissioned via Kendalls Art Gallery in Cowes and was a joy to paint.
If you would like your own commissioned painting drop me a quick email and I’ll be delighted to talk you through the process.
Seaview One Designs SVODS
I’m proud to announce that I’m undertaking a painting to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Seaview One Design “SVODs” for Seaview Yacht Club. I’ve had a busy august afloat following the dingy fleet as they race off Seaview collecting some great reference material for the painting. #SVODs #Seaviewonedesigns #Seaviewyachtclub #shanecouchmarineartist
SVODs racing off Seaview
Marine Studies
This week I had a change from waves and completed these two small studies, depicting the J Class Yachts Velsheda and Svea. I undertook these studies in preparation for a large detailed commission I have . both these studies are to be made available exclusively on my website .
I really enjoy the detail work, I find it very relaxing and rewarding. i often get lost in the little characters and the action onboard. I often feel I’m amongst it.
Svea oil on panel 5x7
detail
Velsheda rounding the Windward Mark oil on Panel 8x8 Available
Detail
Work in progress this week
This week Ive been working on this small 8.5x15 oil on panel . It shows the surf rolling in at Carlyon Bay with Gribbon head in the background. A few finishing touches and it will be done.
New Face Book Group ,Cornwall Coast
Today I started a new Facebook group, Cornwall Coast. I’ve created the group to provide a platform for all those people with a passion for the Cornish Coast to share images and videos of their favourite spots so others can enjoy and hopefully discover themselves.
Please Join the group and start sharing your favourite spots.
Many Thanks Shane
Porthtowan looking west towards St Ives One of my favourite spots.
Porthtowan afternoon light
Porthtowan has long been one of my favourite surf spots, the waves here can be very steep and form great barrels. This view shows the view down to Lushingtons Cove.
In this painting I wanted to encompass the whole scope of the beauty of this location from the cliffs to the soft sands of the beach
Polzeath Surf
just completed is my first painting set in Polzeath showing the view towards Stepper point and Trevose Head beyond. I particularly like painting these headlands that are so iconic.
oil on panel 8.5x15
Watergate Beach Newquay Cornwall
My current work in progress is depicting a big surf and Cliffs on Newquays famous Watergate Beach. the colours in the surf here is remarkable. The view looks north towards Mawgan Porth .A few more days and this small painting should be done.
Current Work in progress Watergate Beach Newquay towards Mawgan Porth
Clash of the J Class
Im so happy to share with you my recently completed project. Ive been working on this project for almost a year now and I’m delighted with the result. The two paintings depict the J Class yachts Velsheda JK7 and Svea JS1 racing at the Palma Superyacht Cup in 2018. both paintings are oil on canvas 36inchs x 48 inches.
The J Class Yachts Velsheda and Svea beating to windward during the Palma SYC 2018
The J Class Yachts Velsheda and Svea free reaching across the bay of Palma during the 2018 SYC
Detail showing the deck action on Velsheda
Inspiration
A beautiful spring morning to get inspired and contemplate future work
Mystic Seaport " Maritime Yachting Award"
Im very proud to announce that my painting “Puritan , After the Jibe” has won the “ Mystic Seaport “Yachting Award” at the “Annual International Marine Art Exhibition” this is truly a great honour as this prestigious award has been won by many of the great marine artists that have inspired my own artistic journey.
Invader 1905 initial Racing Career
1905
Initial sail August 1st
Aug 22nd ; eastern yacht club race to Marblehead , did not starts as she had no competition in her class.
September races Elmina and Corona at Larchmont.
1906
June ; racing Elmina and Carona at the New York yacht NYC’s club spring regatta . Also raced Constitution at the Indian harbour regatta
July racing at the combined Seawanhaka and Atlantic yacht club regatta
Aug on the NYC’s annual cruise.
1907
Cut down to allow her to rate with the 90ft schooner class including Queen , Ingomar and Elmina
July Indian harbour regatta
Aug NYC’s annual cruise
Sept Indian harbour regatta
1908 to 1914 no racing reported.
1914
Jan 25th invader sold to John Borden of Chicago.
No racing
1915
No racing’
1916
Now an auxiliary racing with Atlantic, Katoura and Mariette on the NYYC annual cruise.
Invader 1905
Last month I was lucky to spend a week aboard the 1905 Chesebrough designed schooner Invader. during my time with her I leant that not much was known about her early racing career . On my return home I did a little research and found that due to her exceptionally large rig she did not have a competitor with the same rating to race against. Her principal opponents at the time were the schooners Elmina, Queen and Colonia all rating in class B In 1907 her rig was cut down to allow her to rate with these schooners now joined also by Ingomar.
I was asked at the time , “so how large was her original rig and how does todays rig compare.” An interesting question which I’m hoping to answer. If anyone does have information that will help in answering this question I’d love to hear from them.
