Westward Ho!
Author Charles Kingsley wrote his famous adventure story with the name of Westward Ho! And thus this quirky little village was aptly named. It is unusual in that this community is the only place in the British Isles with an exclamation mark behind its name ,but then Westward Ho! Is no usual place.
Full of surprises this Victorian Seaside resort not only holds many memories
but it continues to provide a sense of romance, mystery and intrigue. The long golden beach, flanked by its unique pebble ridge edges
onto Northam Burrows .With its long grasses and sandy Dunes it is credited with being part of a designated site of Scientific interest and also
forms part of the United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
As an Artist and Photographer it is Westward Ho! beach that has captured
my imagination and heart the most. The very first day I set eyes on this imposing coastline the sky was dull and overcast and the tide was out and then as if by magic a golden light appeared.
The sun penetrated the grey clouds and a shaft of light glided across
the wet sand and illuminated the beach with a blaze of colour. I was totally
overwhelmed by such a transition in the light and it was this that inspired me
to base my oil paintings on light and colour and to represent it through
photography it has fascinated me ever since because the possibilities are endless.
but it continues to provide a sense of romance, mystery and intrigue. The long golden beach, flanked by its unique pebble ridge edges
onto Northam Burrows .With its long grasses and sandy Dunes it is credited with being part of a designated site of Scientific interest and also
forms part of the United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
As an Artist and Photographer it is Westward Ho! beach that has captured
my imagination and heart the most. The very first day I set eyes on this imposing coastline the sky was dull and overcast and the tide was out and then as if by magic a golden light appeared.
The sun penetrated the grey clouds and a shaft of light glided across
the wet sand and illuminated the beach with a blaze of colour. I was totally
overwhelmed by such a transition in the light and it was this that inspired me
to base my oil paintings on light and colour and to represent it through
photography it has fascinated me ever since because the possibilities are endless.
This glorious coastline which faces the unpredictable, brutal North Atlantic is perpetually pounded by the elements.
Strong winds and powerful waves give rise to a constantly changing beach structure and you only have to frequent
Westward Ho! on a few occasions and you will know that it is like a continuous journey as it never appears the same twice.
For me this beach is like a continuously changing canvas or
the different backdrops in a play, the setting is never replicated.
Strong winds and powerful waves give rise to a constantly changing beach structure and you only have to frequent
Westward Ho! on a few occasions and you will know that it is like a continuous journey as it never appears the same twice.
For me this beach is like a continuously changing canvas or
the different backdrops in a play, the setting is never replicated.
For this reason I crave the potential, inspiration and creativity it offers
me and I feel compelled to return regularly.
Relentless weather patterns create a never ending source of opportunity, with old ship wrecks being exposed,parts of the pre-historic forest emerging and
old sea defences surfacing.
The history of the beach being re-told through the eyes of the forceful elements
This superb 2 miles of golden beach has something for everyone and is a complimentary bonus to enhance our lives.
Not only for the families who swim and revel in the abundance of glistening
rock pools and the surfers who ride the dramatic white horses
but the walkers, the dog lovers and the kite surfers alike who appreciate
and reap the rewards of the breathtaking surroundings that nature has provided.
me and I feel compelled to return regularly.
Relentless weather patterns create a never ending source of opportunity, with old ship wrecks being exposed,parts of the pre-historic forest emerging and
old sea defences surfacing.
The history of the beach being re-told through the eyes of the forceful elements
This superb 2 miles of golden beach has something for everyone and is a complimentary bonus to enhance our lives.
Not only for the families who swim and revel in the abundance of glistening
rock pools and the surfers who ride the dramatic white horses
but the walkers, the dog lovers and the kite surfers alike who appreciate
and reap the rewards of the breathtaking surroundings that nature has provided.
I feel a sense of tranquility and serenity when I wander along the beach as I feel the salty sea spray against my face
and watch the undulating waves pushing forcefully further to shore.
As I hear the mesmerizing echo of the roaring sea crashing against the pebbleridge and the familiar sound of the pebbles rolling backwards and forwards in time to the sea I am
transfixed. The amazing rock pools full of sea life and there flections in the sand are a true phenomena.
and watch the undulating waves pushing forcefully further to shore.
As I hear the mesmerizing echo of the roaring sea crashing against the pebbleridge and the familiar sound of the pebbles rolling backwards and forwards in time to the sea I am
transfixed. The amazing rock pools full of sea life and there flections in the sand are a true phenomena.
The power of the seashore renews and energizes my soul and as I listen to the symphony of the waves and the chorus of the birds singing their song. I often wait patiently, for the last light of the day to diminish and watch the sun go down and am astonished by the spectacular sunsets which adorn the skies. The majestic colours which paint the horizon ,with awe and beauty and the remarkable reflections in the sand.
This is a rare moment of beauty and calmness, when day transcends into night, making way for another setting and another journey. I will never get fed up of exploring this fantastic place that is called Westward Ho!
This is a rare moment of beauty and calmness, when day transcends into night, making way for another setting and another journey. I will never get fed up of exploring this fantastic place that is called Westward Ho!
We supply high quality prints, canvases, greeting cards, postcards, publications and web images for businesses of the area.For more images
PLEASE CLICK LINK
www.stephenring.co.uk/collections/westward-ho
PLEASE CLICK LINK
www.stephenring.co.uk/collections/westward-ho