Artist who spent a year walking Fife Coastal Path named Artist in Residence

East Neuk artist Philippa Mitchell is unveiling a collection of vibrant oil paintings depicting the 187 kilometre coastal path throughout the four seasons.

Philippa, who walked the entire route with her bird ecologist husband Carl said “Starting on 1st January, leaving a chilly Kincardine Bridge, we walked, I sketched, and Carl recorded the birdlife through the seasons and the months.

"We ended in Newburgh in December as the Christmas lights came on.

“There was snow and ice, hot sun and wildflowers, as well as the odd blister.

"There was also the constant presence of the changing sea to our right. The Firths of Forth and the Tay, as well as the coastal waters off Fife Ness, reflected the landscape and weather with storm clouds and strings of gannets.”

Capturing Colours 

Philippa’s sketches and paintings are characterised by colour, whether it’s the azure waters of a sheltered bay, purple thistle down or the bright yellow splash of buttercups.

They reveal a seasonal view of Fife’s shorelines that is personal to the artist and doesn’t always depict the usual iconic locations.

Her Fife Coastal Path collection of landscapes and wildlife will be showcased at the Pittenweem Arts Festival running from 5-12 August, along with other pieces of her work.

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) manages and maintains the 117-mile Fife Coastal Path. It links photogenic fishing harbours, award-winning beaches, wildlife reserves, heritage sites and coastal communities. 

Accompanying the collection is a new, limited edition of signed books which is full of paintings, sketches and written notes describing her journey. This and greetings cards are launched in August.