Sometimes here at West Wittering beach we get extraordinary light, this is caused by our positioning on the south coast of England. The panoramic format of this piece allows me to capture the expansive feeling of the beach stretching out towards the horizon.

West Wittering boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, and I feel very fortunate to have this landscape on my doorstep to paint. The interplay between the dramatic sky and the shore is what makes this location so special to me.

I am continually exploring new ways to capture clouds—how they form, how they move and how this can be presented in a painting. In this particular piece, the clouds are nice and plump! I've tried to convey their weight and volume against that characteristic blue sky, while keeping the beach light and airy.

The dune grasses in the foreground add texture and depth, inviting you into the scene as if you're peering through them to glimpse a beautiful day down at West Wittering beach. The distant blue silhouette of the Isle of Wight provides that perfect anchor to the composition that gives this view its distinctive character.