The Harlyn Bay paintings

The Harlyn Bay Paintings

In August 2020, during a break in the Covid lockdowns, Chaz Newton-Smith and his family spent a week in Harlyn Bay, Cornwall. It was a welcome change of pace and a chance to reset. At the time, Chaz was still recovering from injuries sustained in a serious accident the year before, and while he had started to regain his strength, painting was taking longer than usual.

One evening, during particularly stormy weather, Sarah, Chaz’s wife, suggested he go out and photograph the waves. He did just that, capturing the movement and energy of the sea as it crashed against the shore. Those photographs became the starting point for his first major paintings since the accident.

Back in Stockport, Chaz was working from a small kitchen at the back of a carpentry studio, a space that had been generously offered to him. Though far from ideal, it allowed him to start painting again. Using his reference photos from Cornwall, he began working on three pieces, each focusing on the power and movement of the waves.

The Painting Process

Each painting took longer than his usual workflow, as Chaz was still adapting to a different pace post-recovery. His approach remained consistent—bold brushstrokes, thick textures, and expressive use of color—capturing the energy of the sea rather than a literal representation. The deep blues, foamy whites, and dark rocky foregrounds create a sense of movement, bringing the stormy coastline to life.

The Harlyn Bay Series at The Springfield House Gallery

These three paintings of Harlyn Bay were a significant step in getting back to painting regularly. They are now on display at The Springfield House Gallery, where visitors can see how this trip played a role in Chaz’s artistic journey.

Want to see them in person? Book an appointment to visit the gallery.