My Helford Sketchbook is a unique collection of artistic impressions inspired by the magical scenery of the Helford River. Through a series of delicate and finely observed gouache paintings accompanied by and short handwritten reflections, Sophie Velzian documents her personal journey along the riverbanks, woodlands, and creeks. Each page offers an intimate glimpse of the changing seasons, the interplay of light and shadow, and the rich biodiversity that characterise the Helford area. Sophie's work is grounded in observation, capturing fleeting moments of serenity and movement - from the gentle ripple of water to the shifting colours of dusk. The sketchbook format enables the reader to follow her creative process, while accompanying notes provide context and insight into her artistic choices. Whether familiar with Cornwall or discovering its charms for the first time, readers will be transported into a world of natural wonder and artistic inspiration through Sophie's expressive work.
Arvustused
I came home this afternoon to find you had delivered my book. Thank you very much- it is a lovely thing to have. My husband and his sisters seem to spend most of their lives on the Helford (Boats lived at Durgan) once upon a time, so nearly every view is familiar. I've just received your book and browsing through. It's amazing!!!! Love your paintings and the way you have designed and presented with handwritten words and photographs. Lovely dedications to your Mum. Many congratulations. Will treasure this wondrous book Sketchbook is simply stunning! Your ' Sketch Book' is totally brilliant!!! Book has arrived this morning. A beautiful piece of work and one that will bring so much joy! The books have arrived safely and wow - they are truly wonderful It arrived! It's really beautiful! Thank you so much. x
Resolute 3
And you will rise again 4
The swirl of the tide 7
The promise of a new day 9
Frenchman's Creek 11
Myriad creek 13
Opal glow 15
Mirror creek 17
Electric blue, Port Navas 19
Wild swim magic 21
Kaleidoscope bay 23
Mercury light 25
Sunbreak over gorse 27
Coral cocoon 29
The flight of the turnstones 31
The orange buoy 33
The magnificent magnolia 35
Venus in bloom 37
Hidden worlds 39
The river bed of life 41
The urgency of Spring 43
The hidden house 45
The pink of Calamansack 47
Across to Frenchman's 49
The joy of Spring 51
Pink and sparkle 53
A fevered garden 55
One day like this 57
Return to paradise 59
A Helford headland 61
Summer on the creek 63
A place of sanctuary 65
Powders at Frenchman's 67
Frenchman's from on high 69
Three trees at Calmansack 71
Interrupted creek view 73
Grebe's fallen tree 75
Hot river evening 77
Spring high tide at Bar 79
A jade dusk 81
Summer wind 83
Boats in the morning light 85
Day warming up 87
Boats on jade waters, Port Navas creek 89
Unexpected rain 91
Fields over Grebe 93
The place I like to sit 95
Liquid greens 97
Durgan waters 99
Boats off Bar 101
Summer at Durgan 103
A quiet swim 105
The difference a day makes 107
Under shady pines 109
Durgan chop 111
The start of a voyage 113
Dark curves, ebbing tide 115
Mooring low tide, Scott's Quay 117
The colours of the shore 119
Masts on the Helford 121
Silk waters 123
Swirl of sparkles 125
Mint green delight 127
Boats in the sunlight 129
A sudden downpour 131
Autumn pink shore 133
The majesty of Autumn 135
Durgan lines 137
Home comfort 139
About the artist 140
Sophie's work explores primarily coastal landscapes in Cornwall and Scotland. She loves to walk her dog and swim, seeking the restorative calm of being in Nature. This extends into her painting, which begins outdoors, using gouache to create small paintings capturing the landscape, its shapes, colours, light and weather. These initial pieces are richly hued and layered, sometimes with materials from the site itself, and accompanied with written prose to capture the story, and then filed into her sketchbooks. In her studio, they develop into larger oil paintings built slowly over time, with colours scratched back to reveal earlier layers. Sophie loves to find the hidden and surprising colour in the neutrals, the shadows, the skies.
Influenced by a range of artists from Turner, Cezanne and Monet to the Group of Seven and Eardley, her work prioritises colour, drawn-in mark making, weather and light to share her response to a place. After graduating with a First-Class degree from the Slade School of Art, Sophie worked in user experience before returning to painting, reigniting her practice while sailing around Scotland's west coast. In 2020, she moved to live in Cornwall near the Helford River and built her studio near the water.
