The Great Atlantic Galleries

neil davies
away from it all

an exhibition of paintings and drawings

“This collection of work represents a continuation of my fascination with and visual exploration of the hidden areas of Penwith.

“I started on the high ground of Georgia, overlooking the old overgrown buildings of the once thriving brick industry clustered around Baker’s Pit. Nearby, an ancient track begins to wind from Woonsmith valley, up on to the unspoilt moorland of Conquer Downs. Climbing further still, it reaches a point which feels like the top of the world, and the bare bones of the landscape become apparent. Looking back, the whole stretch of the South coast comes into view: ahead, the landscape sweeps down to Zennor on the North coast.

“I began painting in late winter/early spring, when the low sun brightens the emerging rusts and ochres, dominated by acres of bleached grass. This is Nature in the raw, a place of stark beauty and primordial wildness.

“Man has tried to make his mark here too. From the remains of many ancient human settlements, to the few more recent isolated cottages hewn from the local granite, all have endeavoured to survive the continuous overpowering forces of the elements.

“A secondary theme to the show is that of the dramatic storms which regularly hit this part of the peninsula. Ever on storm-watch, on wild days I head for the North coast to gather images of sweeping winds and waves, skies in turmoil, and endless battles between land and sea where the two converge. Add to this that ethereal light I call “storm-light”, and you have a powerful drama played out in all the coves along the coast.

“As always it is the enduring power of Nature, ever capricious, whether benign or raging, which underpins my work.”

Neil Davies

Neil Davies’ annual exhibition of paintings from Cornwall’s Penwith Peninsula is one of the delights of the summer season. Since 1994 we, at Great Atlantic Art have been privileged to present a series of breathtaking collections based on his enduring love for this wonderful part of the country. From “Elemental” back in 2004, we have seen “Penwith - no boundaries”, “Untamed”, “Paths of Light”, “Inner Vison”, “Off the beaten track”, “Bosporthennis - an enduring presence” and now “Away from it all”.

Last year he took us to a number of locations around the ancient but little known settlement of Bosporthennis. This year he has focussed on some other secluded areas in the centre of the peninsula around the settlements of Georgia and Woonsmith and the nearby Conquer Downs and Lady Downs but has also ranged west to Priest’s Cove, Cape Cornwall and ventured “up-country” to Perranporth and beyond.

Weather conditions pervade every one of his paintings, and, as he says in his adjacent comments about this new collection, he is something of a “storm-watcher” who delights in capturing the drama and the energy of passing storms as they race across the cliffs and moors.

To purchase a painting, call 01736 788911 (during gallery hours) or 07971 206 938 (at other times) or e-mail gallery@greatatlantic.co.uk with a contact number.

To request a paper catalogue, please send your postal address to catalogue@greatatlantic.co.uk

Purchases may be collected at the end of the show or we can arrange for delivery for as little as £20 depending on size and distance. All of the paintings are framed while the drawings are framed and glazed. Sizes are of the painted images, excluding mounts and frames. Please be advised that catalogue colours may differ slightly from actual painting colours due to the reprographic processes employed. We offer a money back if not entirely satisfied guarantee to distance purchasers, provided we are informed of any problems within 3 days of collection or delivery.

Click on an image to enlarge

Across patchwork fields to the sea 10" x 12" oil on board £650	Autumn walk to Bodrifty 23" x 33" drawing on paper £650	Autumn skies roll across the bay 31" x 36" oil on board £1,995	Autumn storm sails over The Enys 40" x 50" oil on canvas £2,995
A wild, windy day on Conquer Downs 24" x 30" oil on board £1,395	A wild winter's day at Perranporth 40" x 50" oil on canvas £2,995	Dwellings along the ridge 8" x 10" oil on board £550	Evening view from the studio 31" x 36" oil on board £1,995
Heavy rain clouds above Land's End 40" x 50" oil on canvas £2,995	Storm blowing in over the headland 40" x 50" oil on canvas £2,995	Hillside dwellings 23" x 33" drawing on paper £650	Looking back to Lower Conquer 18" x 24" oil on board £1,150
Middle Conquer alone in the landscape 18" x 24" oil on board £1,150	Priest Cove weathers another storm 48" x 48" oil on board £3,300	Puddly track to Lower Conquer 24" x 30" oil on board £1,395	Splendid isolation Middle Conquer, Conquer Downs 24" x 30" oil on board £1,395
Squally showers heading for Zennor 18" x 22" oil on board £1,050	Here comes the storm 31" x 40" oil on board £2,250	Towards Bohemia, Woonsmith 24" x 30" oil on board £1,395	Trackway to Carn Euny 23" x 33" drawing on paper £650
Up on the moor, Ladydowns 24" x 30" oil on canvas £1,395	Up the track to Douglas's House 48" x 48" oil on board £3,300	Walking back to Bohemia 10" x 12" oil on board £650	Warm spring walk past Rosemorran 31" x 36" oil on board £1,995
	Watching the waves crashing at Boat Cove 48" x 65" oil on board £4,300	Winter walk from Treen to Zennor 24" x 30" oil on board £1,395