Bringing Padstow to Life: Sketching the Padstow Bookseller and Burgers & Fish

There’s something so captivating about Padstow, a picturesque coastal town in Cornwall brimming with charm, character, and a sense of timelessness. My latest piece features one of its treasures: the Padstow Bookseller, with the modern Burgers & Fish restaurant perched above. This corner of the town perfectly embodies the harmony of history and contemporary life, and I couldn’t resist illustrating it.

Creating this artwork was such a rewarding process, combining traditional and digital techniques to bring the scene to life. It all started with an initial sketch, capturing the structure and intricate details with ink. I focused on the charming green storefront of the bookshop, the carefully placed signage, and the cascading ivy, all while paying attention to the way the stonework and textures interact. The characters wandering past—two pedestrians and a little dachshund—add movement and a lively touch to the scene.

Once the sketch was ready, I moved on to watercolours. I love how watercolours allow you to build layers of depth and softness, especially when capturing buildings and their surroundings. For the Padstow Bookseller, I used earthy greens and natural tones to reflect the shop’s inviting warmth, contrasted by the modern, sleek feel of the Burgers & Fish sign above. The ivy was one of my favourite parts to paint, letting the greens flow freely to mimic the natural growth cascading over the walls.

The final step was to bring everything together digitally using Procreate. This stage allowed me to refine the textures and details, ensuring the colours popped and the composition felt balanced. I adjusted small elements like shadows on the cobblestones and highlights on the windowpanes to create depth and dimension. Procreate is such a powerful tool for blending traditional mediums with modern techniques, and it was the perfect way to polish the piece and give it that finished, professional touch.

This artwork reflects my love for capturing not just the physical details of a place but also its atmosphere and story. The Padstow Bookseller, with its quote above the door—"There is no friend as loyal as a book"—is such a warm and inviting space, while Burgers & Fish above reminds us of Padstow’s vibrant culinary scene. Together, they embody the spirit of this Cornish gem.

For me, sketching and illustrating places like this is a way to preserve their charm and share it with others. I hope this piece evokes the same sense of nostalgia and wonder that I felt while creating it. Have you ever been to Padstow? Share your favourite memories in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories! 🌿🎨