Folds of Sea and Stone is a 12" by 14" landscape painting rendered in watercolor and gouache that explores the rugged beauty of Ireland’s Kerry Cliffs and surrounding islands. This piece captures the intricate dialogue between land and ocean, revealing textured cliffs that rise sharply from the water’s edge, layered in shades of green, brown, and beige. The painting emphasizes the geological complexity of the coastline, with tactile rock formations that invite the viewer to feel the weight and resilience of these natural structures.

The water is depicted in varying blue tones, punctuated by touches of white that suggest the motion and energy of waves breaking against the rocks. Beyond the cliffs, a gently sloping hill extends into the middle distance, painted in warm yellow and soft brown hues that complement the cooler colors of the sea and sky. Overhead, the sky presents a calm yet dynamic atmosphere, with soft blue and white clouds that balance the composition and enhance the sense of place.

My inspiration for this work came unexpectedly when a friend shared a photograph of the Kerry Cliffs, along with a challenge piece created by another artist using a different technique. I was intrigued by the opportunity to adapt certain approaches to my own watercolor and gouache process, particularly by experimenting with areas of solid color without blending or gradients. This technique introduced a new visual rhythm to the painting, allowing planes of color to coexist with the more traditional washes and layering I usually employ.

Creating Folds of Sea and Stone was an invitation to investigate how distinct textures and colors can convey the vitality of a coastal landscape. The choice of watercolor combined with gouache permitted me to work both transparently and opaquely, providing contrast between soft washes and graphic blocks of color. The piece aims to evoke the tactile qualities of stone and the restless movement of water, while also capturing the inherent stillness found in natural formations shaped over time.

This painting is a study in contrasts—the solidity of earth against the fluidity of sea, the quietude of the hills against the shifting sky—offering a moment to reflect on the enduring relationship between landforms and the elements. Through this work, I hope to share a sense of connection to place that is at once grounded and expansive, inviting viewers to experience the rugged elegance of Ireland’s coastline through a fresh lens.