Contemporary Cornish Landscape Painting: Where to See It and How to Collect
Cornwall has drawn painters for well over a century, and its landscape is still a living subject for contemporary artists. I'm a painter based in Cornwall, and the moors, the coastline and the geology shape my work. If you'd like to see Cornish landscape painting properly, or begin collecting it, this is where I'd start.
Why painters keep coming to Cornwall
Two moments define the story. In the late nineteenth century, painters gathered around Newlyn and worked outdoors in what became known as the Newlyn School. In the mid-twentieth century, St Ives became a centre for modern art, with artists such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Peter Lanyon, Patrick Heron and Terry Frost.
Contemporary painters work in the shadow of both, and often in conversation with them. I've trained with the modern day Newlyn School of Art and and am a tutor at the St Ives School of Painting, both connecting me to the history and heritage of the Cornish artists.
Where to see Cornish art in person
The best way to train your eye is to look at a great deal of work. These are the places I'd visit:
- Tate St Ives: modern and contemporary art with a strong link to the St Ives artists.
- Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, St Ives: the sculptor's studio and garden.
- Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange, Newlyn and Penzance: contemporary exhibitions in the heart of Cornwall's art scene.
- Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Penzance: strong on the Newlyn School painters.
- Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro: where my solo exhibition, This Land, was shown. A permanent collection of key Cornish artworks sits alongside a programme of events featuring contemporary artists.
Check opening times and exhibitions before visiting!
What makes contemporary Cornish landscape painting different
Contemporary work is rarely a literal view. Many painters now work from memory, from materials and from a sense of place rather than a particular spot. In my own work I use a process of filtering and editing to drill down to that element of the landscape that appeals to me most - a deeply personal interpretation of a land that has inspired hundreds of painters through the centuries.
Not all of my collections use earth pigments, I am happy to discuss if you have questions around this.
How to start collecting
- Look first. Visit exhibitions and notice which paintings you keep thinking about.
- Start with a size and budget you're comfortable with. Original work comes in many sizes, and a smaller piece is a good way to begin.
- Buy from the artist or a gallery you trust. Buying direct lets you ask about the work and the process.
- Ask for the paperwork. A certificate of authenticity or a signed invoice protects you. I provide a Provenance Certificate for all my key pieces.
- Choose work you'll enjoy living with. Trends change; a painting you love stays in the room.
Supporting emerging and mid-career artists
Buying a living artist's work supports the next stage of their practice. I've been part of the Newlyn School of Art Mentoring Programme, and always learn through my tutoring at St Ives School of Painting. Collecting contemporary work keeps that tradition of giving and receiving going.
See my work
Browse my available original paintings: https://nataliedayartist.com/pages/collections. If you'd like to see a painting in more detail before you decide, or would like to discuss a custom piece, please use the Contact form to submit an enquiry.
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