Ashley Hanson - Porthleven 60 (The Gap)

Originally inspired by the Cornish modernist Peter Lanyon’s own depiction, semi-abstract artist Ashley Hanson has been capturing this energetic meeting point between land and sea since 2008. Completing his 100th painting in this popular series, Kellie Miller Arts is delighted to share the exhibition Porthleven 100, curated by gallery owner Kellie Miller to mark the momentous occasion.

A bohemian hub of art, food, sunset swims and surfing, Porthleven has long attracted plenty of visitors to its protected harbour. During storms in the great sailing age it acted as a safe haven for sailors and fisherman, and is now a destination for walkers on the South West Coast Path, as well as artists inspired by its picturesque views. 

A small town with only a few thousand residents, Ashley depicts Porthleven from all angles, representing everything from the clock tower to the local pub. His thickly textured paintings make great use of gesture and movement to capture the thrum of energy that is apparent in the town, his bold use of colour amplifying the impact. Known for its sweeping sunsets where the sun cuts right down through the centre of the harbour, his paintings often immerse you in deep warm tones reflecting this sumptuous view. 

For Ashley, the energy of the sea is feminine: fluid, complex and adaptable. Conversely, the man-made structures are more masculine: immovable, solid and still. The harbour illustrates the dichotomy between these energies, and so is a regular motif in Ashley’s Porthleven paintings. In Porthleven 100 (Island - When Nature Does Its Thing) for instance, the sea, in a fast-moving swirl of purple, washes over the glowing yellow buildings after a summer storm, fitting into crevices and spaces as if it has always belonged there and will one day again. Modernism is now in vivid colour.

Originally from Blackpool, Ashley has been based in Cornwall since 2003. The exhibition runs from 19th September to 2nd November 2026 and entry is free.