Capturing Cornwall’s Light

Sophie Velzian has emerged as one of Cornwall’s evocative painters, her work capturing the interplay of light and atmosphere with a refined sensitivity. 

Sophie Velzian is a contemporary landscape artist who captures the enchantment of the Helford River. Living and working in this unique Cornish location, she is inspired by its clear waters, soft light and distinctive trees. Using oil paint and cold wax medium, she likes to use rich textures and muted colours to evoke its enduring and enigmatic atmosphere.

Sophie draws inspiration from landscape artists who celebrate light and atmosphere, such as Peter Lanyon, Cezanne, Monet and Turner. After graduating with a First from the Slade School of Art, she moved to Cornwall in 2020, fulfilling her dream of living by the sea. She built her own art studio near the water, where she regularly paints popular locations such as Grebe, Durgan, Scott’s Quay and Coverack. The serene and clear waters, rocky coves and Monterey pine trees of this coastline contrast sharply with the wide sandy beaches of north Cornwall. This special landscape, at the top of the Lizard, has inspired so many writers and artists, and Sophie captures its subtle hues and scenery through the seasons. Her paintings are luminous and expressive, full of emotion and depth. In her studio, she builds up layers of richly pigmented paint and wax, creating a history of marks with drips, solvent wiping and scratches, evoking a sense of movement, emotion and atmosphere. Inspired by early morning walks with her rescue dog on the Helford beaches and swimming in the cold water at sunrise, the colours of dawn, especially tangerines and blush pinks, are her signature palette. Her goal is to convey the essence and feeling of the places she paints and to share her love of this unique landscape with viewers.

Sophie’s work can be viewed on her website and social media accounts, and by appointment at her studio. She regularly exhibits at the Summerhouse Gallery in Marazion, Inspire Makers in Falmouth and as an Associate member at the Penwith Gallery in St Ives. She is also a founding member of the Helford Artists group. A full schedule of her upcoming exhibitions is on her website, including Poly Falmouth, Trebah Garden, Terrace Gallery Penryn and The Crypt St Ives.

SOPHIE VELZIAN
Yesnaby, The Fairway, Mawnan Smith  TR11 5LR
07791 618065
sophie.velzian@hotmail.com
www.sophievelzian.co.uk