Photos from my recent trip to St. Agnes in the isles of Scilly. A rich source of inspiration, looking around the little coves and the seashore of this tiny island. Situated within the Gulf Stream, this little cluster of islands have a climate which allows tropical flora to grow. The biodiversity of the Isles of Scilly reflects their unique position with in the U.K. I found the marine algae or seaweed to be particularly beautiful and diverse, with a richness of colour and texture both in and out of the water..

‘Algae are simple, non-flowering plants that reproduce by spores. In the marine environment there are single celled algae (phytoplankton) and multicellular macroalgae or seaweeds. Like all plants they require light for photosynthesis; their range below the low water mark is determined by the amount of light that is able to penetrate the water. In the clear waters of Scilly, where light penetration is very good, macroalgae is found down to depths of 45m or so. Generally, the green algae (Chlorophyta) are found only in shallow water or high up the shore, brown algae (Phaeophyta) occurs in slightly deeper water and red algae (Rhodophyta) are the best at coping with low levels of light so occur at the deepest depths.’                I.O.S Biodiversity Audit 2008

I’ll be using  these images alongside my sketchbook work, to make new paintings in the coming months. And to help me store up the sunshine in my memory for the coming months. What a fantastic summer it has been so far, wishing everyone a very happy August.