The Drinking Dragon

This stunning large-scale oil painting captures the iconic beauty of Durdle Door, viewed from the cliff path as the land opens out towards sea and sky. This piece is the first painting in a new collection titled Landmarks, a body of work exploring recognisable coastal places and the emotional connection we have to them.

Painted in a harmonious palette of turquoise hues, softened with pale yellows and whites, the work evokes a sense of calm, space and gentle movement.

Durdle Door sits to the left of the composition, while the beach below and the sweeping white cliffs to the right lead the eye across the scene. Above, birds circle effortlessly on rising thermals, adding life and energy, while a small distant sailboat drifts near the horizon in a light breeze. The sky is softly mottled with calm cloud cover, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

The foreground foliage and coastal grasses are richly textured, built up through many layered applications of oil paint and palette knife, creating depth and tactile interest that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, open sea beyond.

Painted on a deep-sided stretched canvas (90 x 90 cm), this piece is ready to hang and makes a striking statement in any space—perfect for coastal interiors or for anyone drawn to the Dorset coastline and the calming presence of the sea.