“I love the drama of the north coast”, says contemporary landscape painter, John Dyer, “but the colour, sub-tropical plants, boats, wildlife, flowers and people are all amazing subjects on the south. In 1989, I spent some time in the Amazon Rainforest and this expedition

made me want to paint and to paint amazing plants. I then realised Falmouth offers

the perfect base and subject.” Indeed, many of the big botanical gardens (Trebah, Glendurgan,

Heligan, Tregothnan) are on or near the south coast, thanks
to the temperate, subtropical climate. Looking out upon the English Channel, the sheltered

south promises an abundance of enchanting creeks, tree-lined

estuaries, river inlets and rias from the Carrack Roads to the Helford River;

inviting the gentler pastimes of messing about on the river, inspiring literary greats

like Daphne Du Maurier and Kenneth Grahame. John works from a studio in Falmouth, close to Castle Beach, “a wonderful mix of beach life and

town. On one side we have the busy hustle and bustle and on the other it’s all sun cream and ice- cream!” John uses vibrant colours and free brush strokes to capture the excitement and energy of the coast, always with a sense of fun and mischief.

“Location is everything for me”, explains John. “Falmouth has that rare blend of commerce and holiday all mixed up and that is what my life is really. I call it being on holiday at home and I have now been on ‘holiday’ for 25 years... it’s great!” John has a long association with the Tall Ships Regatta, having worked as the official artist in residence over the years. “It really is wonderful. Falmouth does Tall Ships in a league of its own.”