Mackerel Season

The sea comes alive in the golden glow of a late summer evening.

Mackerel Season captures the energy, anticipation, and tradition of Hastings' renowned fishing heritage. Inspired by the arrival of the mackerel shoals that mark the final weeks of summer, this dramatic seascape celebrates one of the most eagerly awaited seasons on one of the UK's last remaining working beaches.

At the heart of the composition, a small fishing boat powers through the rolling swell, its vivid red hull standing out against the deep blue sea. Above, sweeping clouds race across the sky, opening to reveal a fiery band of crimson, gold, and amber light stretching across the horizon. The fading sunset bathes the scene in warmth, signalling both the close of day and the changing of the seasons.

In the foreground, waves crash and surge with expressive movement, their frothing whites and rich ocean blues conveying the power and unpredictability of the Channel. Thick, textured brushstrokes bring the water to life, creating a sense of motion and atmosphere that draws the viewer into the scene. The contrast between the restless sea and the glowing horizon evokes both excitement and reflection, capturing the enduring relationship between the fishing community and the waters that sustain it.

Both evocative and dynamic, Mackerel Season is a celebration of coastal life, maritime tradition, and the fleeting beauty of late summer on the Sussex coast. It captures a moment of purpose and determination amid nature's ever-changing rhythms, honouring the spirit of Hastings and its proud fishing heritage.

Title: Mackerel Season
Medium: Original Oil Painting on Canvas, framed
Subject: Seascape, Fishing Boat, Hastings Fishing Fleet, Coastal Art
Style: Contemporary Seascape
Canvas size: 41 × 51 cm
Frame size: 45 × 55 cm