East Head is one of my most favourite places to paint—sat in the dunes anytime of day is just spectacular. The Isle of Wight and Hayling Island look like jewels sometimes in the light, appearing as blue silhouettes against the shimmering sea.

In this piece, I wanted to capture that beautiful panoramic view across the water, with the dramatic sky creating movement above. The colours of the sea and the beaches are always a massive source of constant inspiration to me; the shifting blues and turquoise tones change constantly throughout the day.

I've used energetic brushwork in the foreground to suggest the texture of the dune grasses, with splashes of yellow ochre and deep greens contrasting against the softer sandy tones. A painting should have energy and colour, and I am very happy that this special piece has all the ingredients that make this location so captivating.