presents

   Stephen F. Morris   

The Artist at Work The very special quality of Stephen's watercolours derives from his insistence on painting 'en plein air'. He is a regular sight on the islands, setting out on his bicycle with his rucksack on his back, easel and chair sticking out of the top, on yet another quest to capture the luminous landscape of Scilly on paper. Armed with an adjustable sun umbrella, a wide-brimmed natural hemp Tilley hat, a flask of tea, trusty radio, sunblock cream and some insect repellent, he explores the lanes and footpaths of the islands, gaze roaming around until something catches his eye. It might be a stark, dark pine tree framed against the pale blue sky, or a sweep of white-gold sandy beach studded with shells and seaweed, perhaps wind-sculpted rocks subtly shaded and shadowed or a rugged granite building, built sturdy and strong against the elements by past islanders. The photograph above was actually taken on the morning of September 21st 2004, the Autumn Equinox, when the weather was, indeed, autumnal with gusty north westerly winds and blue sky with patchy passing clouds (fortunately no showers). Since the tide was high, Stephen found that the narrow strip of sand and rocks between Porthloo Beach and Newford Island was covered by the sea. Not to be deterred, he simply took off his boots, rolled up his trousers, and paddled almost knee-deep through the waves to reach his goal. If you look carefully, just below the left edge of the pittosporum hedge, you can see a blue umbrella above a wooden easel behind which sits a figure in a black jacket. He was determined to finish this particular painting on this day and achieved his objective. Happily, his return to the main island at lunchtime was accomplished in dryer conditions!