Sail Boats, Bayards Cove

Mixed media 37 x 57 cm, mounted and framed in white.

Followers of the work of Mike Bernard, RI, will instantly recognise his signature style in this beautiful image, with its collage sailboats, lively use of texture, tone and colour. Skilled composition invites the eye to linger and explore different aspects of the image.

Depicting the much-loved Bayards Cove, Dartmouth, this painting suggests a story of a summer’s day full of ease and light, with all the time in the world for a gentle stroll, pausing frequently to  “stand and stare” at the sailboats and seabirds. Mellow ochre tones suggest warmth radiating from historic stonework, yet this is balanced by the fresh sea blues and crisp whites of seabirds and sails.

With mixed media work, a web image can only suggest the scene rather than allowing a true appreciation of texture and tone, and we warmly encourage a visit to the gallery in person to view this work, where possible.

When we think together in the gallery about words to describe our impressions of this painting, ease, well-being and happiness are some strong associations.