Cornwall, the Thames and mandalas

Right, I wrote this whole post out before remembering that tomorrow is the last day you can vote for my blog in the UK Blog Awards! For those of you who don't know, I've entered in the Arts and Crafts category. I have no idea what happens if you win and I don't expect to find out, but it would be lovely, if you enjoy reading my blog, if you could pop over and vote. Thanks peeps, now on with the post...

This week we're on our holidays in Cornwall, yippee! We're staying in a beautiful little cottage called Phillack in St Erth, close to Hayle on the West coast. It's welcoming and homely, and lovely and warm which is a real treat considering we spend most of our time at home layering jumpers to save on the heating bill!

Phillack - St Erth, holidaycottages.co.uk

It's part of a barn which has been newly converted into three cottages and is just the most peaceful and cosy little place. I ran around taking these photos when we'd just arrived, before we could make it untidy!

Phillack - St Erth, holidaycottages.co.uk

It was a beautifully sunny day yesterday, too hot for a coat, even, which is surely unheard of just a few days before December. First stop on Saturday morning was Gwithian to check out the waves - brace yourself for a very photo heavy post today!

Gwithian, Cornwall

Then we went into St Ives where I sat and painted overlooking the swathe of golden sand and turquoise water that is Porthmeor Beach while Sam went in for a surf.

Porthmeor, St Ives, Cornwall

If it wasn't for the long shadows, I think these photos look like they could have been taken in summer!

Porthmeor, St Ives, Cornwall

My painting still needs quite a bit of work and I'm not sure I'll ever get around to finishing it, but here's a peek.

Painting of Porthmeor Beach

When Sam finished surfing, there was just time to squeeze in a pasty stop before heading back for a cosy evening in the cottage.

This morning we got up early as Sam went off to check out the surf in Gwithian while I spent a couple of hours working on the Thames map. Yes, I did bring it along - there's no rest for the wicked! My workspace was a little different from normal!

Thames Map Illustration

I can now reveal that the client is Le Boat, a fantastic company which hire boats on the Thames and many other rivers across Europe. I have to say that working on this project has been very inspiring; there are so many lovely places to visit along the river. Before, I very naively thought of the Thames as just the section which runs through central London, but in reality it offers so much more, from peaceful countryside stretches to wonderful riverside attractions.

The part which I am illustrating is from Oxford right the way through to Teddington Locks, as this is the section navigable in the company's boats. I've finished outlining the whole map now, and am feeling excited about starting to paint, if a little nervous!

Thames Map Illustration

After a morning indoors, beavering away, it was nice to get out for a walk near Godrevy this afternoon. It was a little shorter than it could have been as dark grey clouds were threatening rain, so we thought it was better to be safe than sorry.

Godrevy, Cornwall

I always think 'people' photos are far more interesting than landscapes, so just to prove I was there, here are a few Sam took.

Clare Willcocks at Godrevy Cornwall

Clare Willcocks at Godrevy Cornwall

There are those clouds!

Clare Willcocks at Godrevy Cornwall

I'll end this post with a photo of a mandala I doodled last night. My Mum has been working on some gorgeous crochet mandalas in vibrant colours and I've seen quite a lot on Pinterest recently, so wanted to give drawing one a go.

Mandala Doodle

Not as neat or precise as it could be, but I've started another one with some lines underneath as a guide, so hopefully I'll have that to share next week!

Mandala Doodle

Have a lovely week everyone! Over and out...

I'm sharing this post on the following blogs:  Handmade Harbour, Paint Party Friday and Blue Chair Diary Illustrations!

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Clare Willcocks: Cornwall, the Thames and mandalas

Sunday 30 November 2014

Cornwall, the Thames and mandalas

Right, I wrote this whole post out before remembering that tomorrow is the last day you can vote for my blog in the UK Blog Awards! For those of you who don't know, I've entered in the Arts and Crafts category. I have no idea what happens if you win and I don't expect to find out, but it would be lovely, if you enjoy reading my blog, if you could pop over and vote. Thanks peeps, now on with the post...

This week we're on our holidays in Cornwall, yippee! We're staying in a beautiful little cottage called Phillack in St Erth, close to Hayle on the West coast. It's welcoming and homely, and lovely and warm which is a real treat considering we spend most of our time at home layering jumpers to save on the heating bill!

Phillack - St Erth, holidaycottages.co.uk

It's part of a barn which has been newly converted into three cottages and is just the most peaceful and cosy little place. I ran around taking these photos when we'd just arrived, before we could make it untidy!

Phillack - St Erth, holidaycottages.co.uk

It was a beautifully sunny day yesterday, too hot for a coat, even, which is surely unheard of just a few days before December. First stop on Saturday morning was Gwithian to check out the waves - brace yourself for a very photo heavy post today!

Gwithian, Cornwall

Then we went into St Ives where I sat and painted overlooking the swathe of golden sand and turquoise water that is Porthmeor Beach while Sam went in for a surf.

Porthmeor, St Ives, Cornwall

If it wasn't for the long shadows, I think these photos look like they could have been taken in summer!

Porthmeor, St Ives, Cornwall

My painting still needs quite a bit of work and I'm not sure I'll ever get around to finishing it, but here's a peek.

Painting of Porthmeor Beach

When Sam finished surfing, there was just time to squeeze in a pasty stop before heading back for a cosy evening in the cottage.

This morning we got up early as Sam went off to check out the surf in Gwithian while I spent a couple of hours working on the Thames map. Yes, I did bring it along - there's no rest for the wicked! My workspace was a little different from normal!

Thames Map Illustration

I can now reveal that the client is Le Boat, a fantastic company which hire boats on the Thames and many other rivers across Europe. I have to say that working on this project has been very inspiring; there are so many lovely places to visit along the river. Before, I very naively thought of the Thames as just the section which runs through central London, but in reality it offers so much more, from peaceful countryside stretches to wonderful riverside attractions.

The part which I am illustrating is from Oxford right the way through to Teddington Locks, as this is the section navigable in the company's boats. I've finished outlining the whole map now, and am feeling excited about starting to paint, if a little nervous!

Thames Map Illustration

After a morning indoors, beavering away, it was nice to get out for a walk near Godrevy this afternoon. It was a little shorter than it could have been as dark grey clouds were threatening rain, so we thought it was better to be safe than sorry.

Godrevy, Cornwall

I always think 'people' photos are far more interesting than landscapes, so just to prove I was there, here are a few Sam took.

Clare Willcocks at Godrevy Cornwall

Clare Willcocks at Godrevy Cornwall

There are those clouds!

Clare Willcocks at Godrevy Cornwall

I'll end this post with a photo of a mandala I doodled last night. My Mum has been working on some gorgeous crochet mandalas in vibrant colours and I've seen quite a lot on Pinterest recently, so wanted to give drawing one a go.

Mandala Doodle

Not as neat or precise as it could be, but I've started another one with some lines underneath as a guide, so hopefully I'll have that to share next week!

Mandala Doodle

Have a lovely week everyone! Over and out...

I'm sharing this post on the following blogs:  Handmade Harbour, Paint Party Friday and Blue Chair Diary Illustrations!

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

23 Comments:

At 30 November 2014 at 10:15 , Blogger Unknown said...

Wow! I stayed at Gwithian campsite a few years ago and it truely is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Nice watercolour work too, I'm always in awe of people who can paint. x

 
At 30 November 2014 at 10:25 , Blogger Wendy said...

I love beach pictures - thank you for those! Can't wait to see the finished map picture, I'm sure it'll be fab. Your detailed pattern work reminds me of my daughter's work...and you sound exactly like her too - she's always pointing out bits that aren't neat or precise enough, even when it looks perfect to me! x

 
At 30 November 2014 at 10:30 , Anonymous The Patchwork Fairy said...

It looks a lovely place to stay and explore. Your work is very good - it must have been very inspiring working in that surrounding!

 
At 30 November 2014 at 10:32 , Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks Wendy! Does your daughter have a blog or Facebook page? I'd love to see her work, it sounds right up my street :) x

 
At 30 November 2014 at 10:33 , Blogger Unknown said...

We've stayed there before too, lovely little place! I have to say, I do prefer staying in a cottage to camping though, especially at the end of November!

 
At 30 November 2014 at 10:34 , Blogger Unknown said...

It's been really lovely! Nice to have a change of scenery :) x

 
At 30 November 2014 at 10:45 , Blogger Highland Monkey's said...

What a nice looking cottage and gorgeous scenery. I wonder if your next holiday will be along the river Thames after working on the map! Your mandala is perfect so intricate and neat.

 
At 30 November 2014 at 11:30 , Blogger JENNY said...

Oooo it looks like such a lovely place to holiday! What lovely scenery too! I just love Cornwall but never really explored the west coast much, mainly the south. Your mandala is fab! So creative and you wouldn't know you didn't use a grid underneath (although I bet you notice it!) Your Thames map looks wonderful and a a scary task indeed! You look like you have it totally under control mind! Think I would buckle under the strain! Have a fab week xx

 
At 30 November 2014 at 12:19 , Blogger Lisabella Russo said...

What a lovely place to visit! Your paintings look incredible! So very beautiful. I enjoyed seeing them and your photos as well...

 
At 30 November 2014 at 14:17 , Blogger Ginx Craft said...

I am so excited to see your map, as I cycle along a section of the Thames to work each day, from Kingston to Teddington Lock. What lovely photos of your Cornwall break. Great to see a bit of sunshine.

 
At 30 November 2014 at 14:44 , Blogger Paper rainbow said...

Beautiful photos and a wonderful place to stay! You have so much patience. Your work is so intricate.

 
At 30 November 2014 at 14:51 , Blogger Sum of their Stories said...

I'm really enjoying seeing your Thames map as it develops (esp your fb updates) I hope you are not eating or drinking near it now - imagine a big ol' coffe mug ring just outside London! Doesn't bear thinking about.

 
At 30 November 2014 at 15:25 , Blogger sharon said...

Lovely photos! Love the watercolour very delicate!

 
At 30 November 2014 at 19:52 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

ALL of your works are beautiful & so DETAILED. I'd go blind if I tried to do the close work you do! Thanks for showing the picture of yourself. Cute! AWESOME cottage too!
Thanks for sharing your talents
Grandma Nancy in central, IL

 
At 30 November 2014 at 22:38 , Blogger ike said...

What a beautiful place to stay and I'm glad you had good weather :-)
I love the Thames - I used to have a narrowboat and it's a wonderful way to travel and have great holiday breaks - so peaceful.
Fabulous Mandala - I love that one :-D
Hugz
IKE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 
At 30 November 2014 at 23:36 , Blogger Lucy Blossom said...

It looks like you had a great time, I'm ever so slightly envious as it looks amazing. Your mandala looks great too, I don't know how you'd make it more precise!!!

 
At 1 December 2014 at 00:56 , Anonymous Annette G said...

Your cottage looks great as do your artworks. Have a lovely time. Happy PPF, Annette x

 
At 1 December 2014 at 05:59 , Blogger manomij said...

I voted for you Clare and I really hope you will win! Have a wonderful break although I see you are doing lots of work.Manonx

 
At 1 December 2014 at 09:32 , Blogger Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

The map looks incredible - and huge - and I love your mandala! It must be really lovely to have a bit of a change of scenery too, especially when the scenery is so stunning!

 
At 1 December 2014 at 10:56 , Blogger Fiddly Fingers said...

Gorgeous photos, fantastic work and such a lovely cottage too :) Perhaps I should have a go at creating your mandala in crochet!!!!!

 
At 1 December 2014 at 20:18 , Blogger Alexandra MacVean said...

Clare, what a lovely, lovely post. It was quite enjoyable to see a peek into your world and your wonderful trip. What a cozy place! Please tell me you had tea! :) You're beautiful and so glad we got to learn a bit more about you. Thank you for sharing with us again this week.

 
At 2 December 2014 at 06:36 , Blogger Mrs A. said...

I love your drawing. I have not heard of this before but I like all that intricate patterning. Looks perfect to me. Hugs Mrs A.

 
At 2 December 2014 at 22:48 , Blogger vicky myers said...

What a beautiful location, and cottage - don't work too hard, enjoy your week:)

 

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