In this special edition of my newsletter, I’m excited to share insights from my recent artist residency at Brisons Veor. This unique experience offered me the chance to immerse myself for a week in the inspiring Cornish landscape and kickstart my painting for 2025.

Brisons Veor is an artist residency nestled in a breathtaking and distinctive coastal setting. It offers a dedicated residential workspace for creatives across all mediums—a rare opportunity to step away from everyday distractions and fully focus on your practice. Designed to foster reflection, exploration, and creative growth, it provides the perfect environment to dive deep into a project. When my application was accepted last year, I couldn’t wait to take my paints down to the Cornish coastline and immerse myself in its beauty, making use of this studio located on the most westerly point of England’s coastline.

Day 1. Perched on the rugged Cornish coastline. Nestled between vast skies and the endless sea, this space offered a unique environment for reflection, experimentation, and concentrated focus on nature—something that’s always at the heart of my work.

Stepping into the residency, I was immediately struck by the wild, raw beauty of the landscape. The time amongst the shifting weather, crashing waves, and textured cliffs offered an ever-changing backdrop, gave me a chance to look at the natural world with fresh eyes.

One of the biggest shifts during my time there was working with acrylic spray paint. Normally, my process involves building delicate layers of thinned oil paints using an air-gun, but the residency called for something quicker. The fast-drying nature of acrylic spray paint allowed me to work intuitively, layering marks and textures without long pauses. It also made the logistics of transporting the work home far easier—no sticky canvases or risk of paint smudging in the car!

I spent time studying the textures of the coastline—the weathered rocks, tangled seaweed, and windswept grasses—which inspired me to explore the sculptural aspects of my painting more deeply. I found myself less focused on recreating exact forms and more drawn to the movement of the water and the intricate patterns this created.

This residency at Brisons Veor, has offered me more than just time and space; its gifted moments of quiet that have allowed me experimentation without the usual daily distractions. It’s in these moments I found my ideas shift, grow, and sometimes take an entirely new directions, which was so exciting.

After the week, I left with a collection of ideas and sketches, feeling ready to build these into new artworks that are more instinctive, raw, and deeply connected to the landscape that inspired them. I hope this body of work captures the wild energy and freedom of the Cornish coastline, while also reflecting the serene beauty of the seascapes I experienced.

And while I’ve returned to the familiar surroundings of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, I carry that Cornish energy with me—its wildness and freedom woven into the layers of my new pieces. I will be sharing new artworks very soon! Stay tuned for more details!

Thank you, Brisons Veor, for the space, the wild sea air, and the endless inspiration. Also, for the thrill of sea swimming again, just a short walk from the cottage.

If you get the chance, check out Brisons Veor’s website—it’s truly inspiring. Looking through the artists and creatives who have stayed there over the years might just inspire you to apply and become the next artist in residence.

Thank you so much for supporting my small business, whether you follow me on Instagram, visit my website or come and see me in person at one of the exhibitions or events. I really appreciate your continued support, have a lovely weekend and thank you again.      Love from Lisa

Check out my Lisa Dear Artworks on Instagram my Website: https://www.lisadearartworks.co.uk/

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