Beth Horrocks grew up on Anglesey, where she spent her early years exploring the beauty around her, especially the stunning coastal views. The waves crashing against the shore and the ever-changing scenery fascinated her since childhood. These experiences deeply influenced her art, as she captures the diverse emotions and moods of North Wales in her work.
Q: What drives you creatively?
I feel so privileged to have all this beauty on my doorstep. I often feel the urge to share what I experience and the beauty and elation I feel. I hope people feel uplifted, I guess? I see my work as a celebration of Wales’s outstanding natural beauty.
Q: What inspires you about the Welsh landscape?
Everything about it! As if we weren’t lucky enough to have a fantastic coastline to soothe our hectic lifestyles, here in North Wales we are blessed with Eryri, our stunning mountain range too. With all its beautiful lakes and waterfalls, there’s always more to explore! I love the challenges it offers physically and love to utilise it to improve my fitness and mental well-being. Fresh air and exercise are the perfect antidote for any dark mood for sure.
Our landscape offers so much variety for a country of its size, it’s small but mighty - with buckets and buckets of character! I’m very passionate about where we live, and immensely proud to be Welsh. Its dramatic weather keeps things exciting! I love how each season offers something new.
Q: Do you have a favourite season?
Even in the depths of winter here, you can witness unimaginable beauty! This was the first drawing of the year, inspired by what seemed to be the dullest of grey days initially, but then the sky magically transformed into the most spectacular sunset. I did think to myself, what a way to kick start the year.
There’s no better way to blow away the winter cobwebs than to walk along the coastal path in spring! Wales is the only country in the world with a footpath spanning its entire coastline, all 870 miles of it! Walking along the coastal paths this time of year fills me with optimism of what’s to come - spring has finally arrived! Flowers are coming into bloom, birds and bees all around, a bold contrast of yellow and blues, with fresh sea air carrying a hint of coconut scent from the abundance of bright yellow gorse, breathtakingly beautiful.
Temperatures hit the high 20s here last year - I feel North Wales keeps us on our toes and when that sort of weather arrives you need to drop everything (if you can) and head for the hills. Experience a swim in a stunning lake to cool off, climb up a mountain followed by a dip in a cascading waterfall. Or a visit the coast to experience the abundance of nature - paddleboard with seals or catch a fish for tea! Beaches are plentiful in North Wales and even though I’ve lived here most of my life, I’m still finding new spots to explore.
Sea pinks, buttercups and daises... A euphoric summer’s day run to Llanddwyn inspired me to draw this piece. Deep blue skies and the sea looking wonderfully calm and inviting. Just gorgeous.
Autumn is always a feast for the eyes, with its colourful trees and big storms from the Atlantic. The coast can be an exciting place to be, especially if you’re into water sports! I love autumnal downpours, dark moody skies with bright sunbeams and keeping eyes peeled for rainbows.
Highlights of the winter for me are clear skies when both moon and sun are in sight, the cool and warm gradients punctuated by skeletal trees and migrations of starlings passing by. I love wrapping up warm in cosy clothes to stretch my legs, with the promise of a hot chocolate in a café as a reward.
Q: When is the best time of day for inspiration?
I believe there is a higher chance of catching something special early morning, or later in the evening. Or it can be when you least expect it! Weather brings many variables; I don’t plan anything - it’s about keeping your eyes open.
Q: Where do you work from?
Much has happened in the last two years for me, I’ve opened my own gallery/studio located in Caernarfon’s fantastic new multi million-pound Cei Llechi/Slate Quay waterfront development, it has stunning views overlooking the harbour and castle. If you haven’t been here yet, pop down! I have an extensive collection for you to browse, it’s always nice to meet my customers in person.
Or if you’re in the Machynlleth area pop to the MOMA, where I have an exhibition on until 8th June.
You can view Beth's works at the Oriel Beth Horrocks Gallery near the historic Caernarfon Castle.
