V-Anne Evans - October/November 2024
Recent Travels:
This year’s travels touched the West Coast of England as well as the East Coast of Maine --
two Atlantic shores that while clearly different, became testament to the similarities of the two
lands, strikingly connected by the geology and ocean they share, and by their rich cultural and
nautical histories.
The English Isles of Scilly, a richly history'd granite promontory, 2 & 1/2 hours by boat west
from Land’s End, were the absolute highlight of all my wanderings! Worlds from here, this is
where druids built cairns in the 4th century, pirates ran the world, Cromwell and King Henry
built castles, and the Spanish Armada sank. Here, ancient rock walls and cottages, a thriving
flower industry, and many islands with neither cars nor inhabitants, completely captivated my
imagination.
The Coast of Devon and Cornwall, often called the Tin Coast, was no less vibrant with its deep
history of ancient fishing villages and farming, tin mines and the Pirates of Penzance. These
scenes demand a softer palette of warm, rich grey, and paler, more northern skies and sea,
unlike the brighter stronger blues of home. Often, too, the English travels demanded a quicker
artistic take, prompting more drawing and exploration of gouache techniques.
Later this season, The Penobscot Bay in Maine became a hauntingly beautiful muse with its
rocky, pine grove coasts, romantic little harbors, lighthouses, intense blue skies and deeper
blue-green water, just beginning to reflect the warm tones of fall. Here I packed my oils and
stayed in one location, allowing for more in-depth plein air studies.
Both these recent travels have deepened my appreciation for the beauty beyond our daily
vistas, and have invigorated my creativity through fresh artistic perspective and reflection on
the wider world. But, the greatest gift has been a renewed look at our own home, the gentle
mountains of our Virginia area, and the gifts of enduring beauty here, right at our doorstep!
This year’s travels touched the West Coast of England as well as the East Coast of Maine --
two Atlantic shores that while clearly different, became testament to the similarities of the two
lands, strikingly connected by the geology and ocean they share, and by their rich cultural and
nautical histories.
The English Isles of Scilly, a richly history'd granite promontory, 2 & 1/2 hours by boat west
from Land’s End, were the absolute highlight of all my wanderings! Worlds from here, this is
where druids built cairns in the 4th century, pirates ran the world, Cromwell and King Henry
built castles, and the Spanish Armada sank. Here, ancient rock walls and cottages, a thriving
flower industry, and many islands with neither cars nor inhabitants, completely captivated my
imagination.
The Coast of Devon and Cornwall, often called the Tin Coast, was no less vibrant with its deep
history of ancient fishing villages and farming, tin mines and the Pirates of Penzance. These
scenes demand a softer palette of warm, rich grey, and paler, more northern skies and sea,
unlike the brighter stronger blues of home. Often, too, the English travels demanded a quicker
artistic take, prompting more drawing and exploration of gouache techniques.
Later this season, The Penobscot Bay in Maine became a hauntingly beautiful muse with its
rocky, pine grove coasts, romantic little harbors, lighthouses, intense blue skies and deeper
blue-green water, just beginning to reflect the warm tones of fall. Here I packed my oils and
stayed in one location, allowing for more in-depth plein air studies.
Both these recent travels have deepened my appreciation for the beauty beyond our daily
vistas, and have invigorated my creativity through fresh artistic perspective and reflection on
the wider world. But, the greatest gift has been a renewed look at our own home, the gentle
mountains of our Virginia area, and the gifts of enduring beauty here, right at our doorstep!
Art is available for purchase at the gallery throughout the duration of the show.
To contact the artist about these works after the show, email us here!