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A Sense of Peace
Inspired by the work of Esther Pritchard
Emily
December 28, 2024
(Artwork images credited to Esther Pritchard, Photographs to Emily Fowler and Jill Brown, unless otherwise noted)
Art has a way of interrupting the present, pulling us into the past, awakening memories and thoughts that aren’t part of our day-to-day lives. When I first encountered Esther Pritchard’s beachscapes, I was instantly transported. Her paintings don’t just depict the coast; they capture its soul. Inspired by the soft lines and dreamlike quality of her work, forgotten memories of days at the beach drifted to the surface. |
Introducing Esther Pritchard
“I am an oil painter, specialising in seascapes. I find that both the inspiration and the process of painting the sea, forces me to slow down, noticing more and appreciating what I could so easily miss.”
“Much of my work is commission based. People want to savour a memory and so I have both the honour and challenge of capturing a beach scene which holds a story. This is why I love doing what I do.”
“One of my favourite pieces is of Woolacombe beach (pictured above) - busy with surfers and walkers, children lost in imaginary play whilst others are, like me, escaping the urgent pulls on time to slow down and find some respite in the wild winds and salty air. There is no better feeling than wrapping myself up in an old hoodie and clutching a cup of tea.
This to me is a perfect day.”
“I was asked to reflect on the inspiration behind ‘Quietude’, an exhibition hosted by the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham. There is so much assault on peace, from news headlines, to socio-economic pressures, raising resilient children, to protecting peace in the home.”
“My own faith leads me to assess my ‘peace-levels’ daily, knowing that I am not the sustainer, but the receiver of divine peace. My series of paintings for ‘Quietude’ is a celebration of the tangible order that comes from knowing Jesus and transferring my chaos for His ordered peace.”
Next, a story from Jill, a collector of Esther’s work
Jill recounts her memory of a time that, in some ways, is hard to imagine now, after the first lockdown in 2020, when the restrictions were finally lifted. It was a chilly day in December and Jill decided to head down to the coast. She told me,
"We hadn’t been to the coast in months, so I took the dogs, and it turned out to be the most amazing day. We walked along the promenade, and there were hardly any people around. It was completely still - no wind, which is rare for the South Coast - and the sea was like a mill pond. It was just glorious. I remember stopping and looking out to the horizon, the sun was just peeking out from behind the clouds and it was the most beautiful, calm vision. I can remember that I just felt happy. Looking around me, I could see a few other people, who seemed to be doing the same thing that I was. Just trying to take in the moment.”
 Photo credit: Jill Brown | Jill captured a photo from that day, which still remains her phone screensaver. She tells me how it still makes her happy and how that day felt like a defining moment that she will never forget. Inspired by this memory, she decided to ask Esther for a commission. She thought, “If anyone can capture that feeling, it’s Esther”. She already loved how Esther portrayed the sea, rocks, and clouds, as well as her use of colour. |
Other than choosing the canvas size together, Jill didn't see the piece until it was completed. She was delighted with the result, saying, "She captured it beautifully." Now, the painting hangs at the bottom of the stairs in her holiday home, and each time she passes it, she’s reminded of that day. Even though the image is a more muted palette, it embodies a happy moment and an important memory of freedom. |  Photo credit: Jill Brown |