Porthmeor Painting by Holly Cecilia Smith
Painted outside on location, this expressive Porthmeor art print captures the colour and movement of the sea at this iconic St Ives beach.
Holly Smith painted the original while looking directly at the changing landscape, using broad, confident brushstrokes to record a fleeting moment on the Cornish coast.
Strong turquoise, teal and deep navy sweep across the painting, with softer olive green and pale blue adding depth.
Unexpected touches of coral and pink bring warmth to the sky and shoreline, creating a striking contrast with the coastal colours.
We love the sense of movement in this piece. Holly’s generous brushstrokes seem to follow the shifting water and weather, giving the painting an energy that feels immediate and full of life.
The result is expressive and abstract, while still holding the feeling of looking out across Porthmeor Beach.
Situated in St Ives, a town with a rich artistic history, Porthmeor has long inspired painters with its open skies, Atlantic light and constantly changing sea. Holly’s interpretation feels completely her own, capturing the beach's atmosphere through colour and movement rather than precise detail.
This artwork has real impact, particularly when displayed at a generous size. We would hang it above a bed or sofa where the wide composition creates a strong focal point, and the rich blues and greens sit beautifully alongside warm neutrals and natural wood.
MEET THE ARTIST
Holly Cecilia Smith is a Cornwall-based painter inspired by time spent outdoors, immersed in the changing landscapes of the Cornish coast.
Painting directly on location allows Holly to respond to fleeting moments of light, weather and movement as they happen. Using confident, expressive brushwork, she captures the atmosphere of a place rather than simply recording the view, giving each painting an immediacy that would be difficult to recreate from a photograph in the studio.
Swimming, walking and exploring Cornwall’s coastline are central to Holly’s creative process. This close connection to the landscape brings an authentic sense of place to her work, creating paintings that will resonate with anyone who feels drawn to the sea.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
• Available framed or unframed
• Choice of handmade Natural, White or Black FSC-certified wooden frames
• Printed on premium museum-quality smooth matte paper
• Archival giclée printing with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks
• Printed and framed in the UK
• Ready to hang when framed
Read Less
