Watercolour painting of Polperro harbour in Cornwall

This video came together at the tail end of a family holiday, and since it was a classic British trip, we naturally spent it by the seaside. Of course, being me, I packed my painting kit and video camera.

You can buy this painting of Polperro here

You can buy a limited edition print of Polperro here

We headed to the south coast of Cornwall, to the beautiful village of Polperro—an ancient fishing village dating back to the 12th century. The River Pol runs right through the center of it.

Polperro is a charming, compact place, filled with tilting boats bobbing in the water and more pubs and cafés than I could count. It’s the perfect spot for painting—how could I resist bringing my supplies?

Painting Polperro

I chose to set up on one side of the harbor, aiming to capture the opposite quayside with a view of the Blue Peter Inn. However, when we arrived, I was dismayed to find the tide was out. “Where are my bobbing boats?” I exclaimed.

Still, I got to work, and once I found my rhythm, I forgot about the missing water and embraced the mud. On the opposite side of the harbor, tourists wandered around, enjoying themselves. I’ve often thought that being an artist means you become more of an observer than a participant in life. There they were, immersed in the moment, while I stood apart, watching with my paints.

That said, I’m happy to report there was plenty of participation later on, thanks to the Blue Peter Inn, which never seems to run out of fish, chips, or beer. And if they did, there’s always The Ship Inn just around the corner for a top-up.

In the end, I didn’t mind the mud. I actually enjoyed painting the boats leaning at odd angles—it created a nice contrast with the blue Atlantic stretching beyond the sea wall.

After a couple of hours, I wrapped up my small watercolor and drifted over to the Blue Peter for a well-earned beer.

If you ever find yourself in Cornwall, make sure to visit Polperro. It’s a delightful spot—tide in or out.