PORTHMINSTER Gallery in St Ives is unveiling a new joint exhibition on Saturday, August 2.

The exhibition, entitled Azure Sea and Sky, features new paintings by acclaimed artists Martyn Perryman and Jenny Hirst.

The collection captures the luminous spirit, ever-shifting weather, and dramatic horizons of the Cornish coastline – a fitting tribute to St Ives’ artistic heritage and its magnetic pull for landscape painters.

Inspired by her travels and especially by the unique light and landscapes, Jenny’s paintings capture the essence of the ever-changing weather and the magical light of West Cornwall.

Working with layered acrylic paint on board, canvas or panel, Jenny’s process is one of discovery – scraping, rubbing, and building texture to reveal hidden depths. Her expressive works are less about exact geography and more about emotional resonance – a visual echo of a place, mood, and memory.

Meanwhile, Martyn’s seascapes are marked by a deep sense of tranquility and thoughtful simplicity. Rooted in his regular walks along the north cliffs and St Ives Bay, his works – often minimalist and expansive – invite the viewer to reflect on the stillness and depth of nature.

Martyn said: “My intention is to produce paintings that trigger a past visual experience – to create the calmness and clarity of mind that can be achieved when looking out to a horizon.

“I invite the viewer to take time to join me in this contemplative position, enabling the consolidation of past events and the consideration of future possibilities.”

Martyn’s work in oil on canvas and paper is shaped by a careful return to familiar viewpoints, translating sketch and study into refined studio compositions. Martyn lives and works in North-West Cornwall, where his home and studio are just a few minutes from St Ives Bay.

The exhibition is accompanied by a curated display of ceramics and sculptures by selected gallery artists.