Martyn Perryman and Jenny Hirst Capture Cornish Coastline’s Spirit in “Azure Sea and Sky” Exhibition at Porthminster Gallery

St Ives, Cornwall – Porthminster Gallery is set to captivate art enthusiasts with its latest offering, “Azure Sea and Sky,” a compelling joint exhibition by esteemed artists Martyn Perryman and Jenny Hirst. Opening on August 2, 2025, and running until September 8, 2025, the exhibition showcases a vibrant collection of new paintings that explore the dramatic beauty and ever-changing moods of St Ives Bay and the surrounding Cornish coastline. This showcase is a significant event in the local art news calendar, highlighting the enduring artistic heritage of St Ives, a town long celebrated as a haven for creative talent.

Both Perryman and Hirst are known for their deep connection to the Cornish landscape, drawing inspiration from its unique light, dramatic horizons, and coastal spirit. Martyn Perryman, who has a studio in St Ives and a home in North West Cornwall, is renowned for his tranquil and minimalist seascapes. His works, often created in oil on canvas, are influenced by his frequent coastal walks, aiming to evoke a sense of calmness and clarity inspired by the horizon. Perryman’s artistic journey includes formal training and experience as a studio assistant to sculptors, followed by a career in retail display, before dedicating himself fully to painting after graduating with a first-class honours degree from Wimbledon Art College. His approach involves building layers of translucent paint to achieve depth and atmosphere, translating his observations into refined studio compositions.

Jenny Hirst, who works from her studio in Cheshire, also finds profound inspiration in the Cornish coast. Her paintings, often executed in acrylic on board, canvas, or panel, delve into capturing the essence of a place through emotional response rather than strict representation. Hirst’s technique involves layering, scraping, and rubbing paint to create rich textures and hidden depths, reflecting her interest in the interplay of weather, light, and landscape. Her artistic background includes running an interior design business before pursuing her passion for painting, exhibiting extensively across the UK and internationally.

The “Azure Sea and Sky” exhibition promises to immerse visitors in the spirit of St Ives Bay, with paintings that capture the luminous quality of the Cornish light and the dramatic sweep of its horizons. The exhibition at Porthminster Gallery, a respected venue known for its curated shows of quality original art, will also feature a selection of ceramics and sculptures by other gallery artists, further enriching the visitor experience.

Adding to the accessibility of acquiring these artworks, Porthminster Gallery is participating in the Own Art scheme. This initiative offers a 0% APR interest-free loan, allowing art lovers to spread the cost of purchasing framed works over 10 monthly instalments. This national scheme, supported by Arts Council England, aims to make buying contemporary art more affordable and accessible to a wider audience, enabling more people to live with art they love.

St Ives itself boasts a rich artistic legacy, dating back to the late 19th century and flourishing in the mid-20th century with the St Ives School, which included prominent figures like Barbara Hepworth, Peter Lanyon, and Ben Nicholson. The town continues to be a vibrant hub for creativity, hosting various cultural events throughout the year, including the St Ives September Festival, a significant annual event that celebrates music, art, theatre, and more, drawing visitors from across the globe. The “Azure Sea and Sky” exhibition is a testament to this ongoing artistic vibrancy, offering a chance to engage with the compelling work of two contemporary artists deeply connected to the Cornish landscape. This news serves as an important update for the region’s art community, reflecting the continued dynamism of St Ives as a premier destination for art and culture.