“Curlew of the Exe Marshes”

This original painting of a Curlew is part of my new collection; 'Living Life on the Exe' - a body of work inspired by a connection to place and the coastal palette of the Exe Estuary that so often draws me in. This piece is available to view and purchase from Seaglass Gallery in Lympstone throughout April 2026 and is a celebration of the estuary, and the quiet luxuries, of the place we are lucky enough to call home.
 
“Curlew of the Exe Marshes”
 
This piece is inspired by the unmistakable presence of the curlew along the Exe Estuary - a bird whose call and elegant silhouette are woven into the character of the landscape. Frequently seen wading the estuary’s tidal edges, curlews are a constant part of the shoreline.
 
Here, the curlew is captured with its long, curved bill and softly mottled plumage carefully observed and translated through layers of paint. The composition is intentionally simple, allowing the form and texture of the bird to take centre stage, while delicate botanical elements rise behind it in gold - a subtle nod to the estuary grasses and salt marshes it inhabits.
 
This is a mixed media work on paper, incorporating paint and 23 carat gold, which has been applied to echo the light and movement of the coastal landscape. The gold coloured gilding has been deliberately left unsealed, allowing it to develop naturally and patina over time with the collector. While the 23 carat gold will retain its brightness, catching and reflecting light, its surface will evolve gently - giving the piece a unique sense of life, change and individuality.
 
Working on paper marks a continued exploration for Victoria - a shift that feels particularly suited to these coastal subjects. The softness of the surface and the muted, natural palette reflect the tones of the estuary itself.
 
Presented in a grey wooden frame with a white mount, this one-off original piece is designed to complement both the artwork and its surroundings, allowing the curlew - an emblem of the Exe Estuary - to remain the focal point.
 
"Curlew of the Exe Marshes"
44 X 44cm (framed size).
Mixed media on 300gsm, acid free, cold pressed paper.
Framed in a grey wood-effect frame with glass to compliment the artwork.
£365