New Cornish Paintings Capturing the Colour and Heat of Summer 2026

An Extraordinary Cornish Summer



John Dyer and Joanne Short unveil a joyful new collection of work inspired by an extraordinary Cornish summer

Acclaimed Cornish artists John Dyer and Joanne Short will unveil a new collection of original paintings online and at an exclusive event in Falmouth, Cornwall on 25 August 2026, inspired by an unusually long, hot and sunny summer spent exploring Cornwall’s beaches, gardens, harbours and coastline.

Swimming, sailing, walking, camping, picnicking and painting their way through the summer, the artists have followed the coast from Falmouth and St Mawes to Mousehole, Polly Joke, Crantock, St Michael’s Mount, Daymer Bay, Cadgwith and the Minack Theatre. The resulting paintings form a colourful visual diary of their adventures and two distinctive artistic responses to the same Cornish summer.

John Dyer: Cornwall in Full Colour

John Dyer’s energetic acrylic paintings celebrate the colour and life of the Cornish coast, filled with swimmers, sailing boats, ferries, birds, dogs and people enjoying glorious summer days beside the sea.

John’s paintings capture Cornwall in full summer flow. Bold colour, movement and his distinctive sense of joy transform these familiar places into celebrations of coastal life and the experiences that make a Cornish summer so memorable.

“This collection feels like a diary of an extraordinary Cornish summer. Joanne and I have spent so many happy days exploring, swimming, painting and simply being outside, and I think that sense of joy, colour and freedom has found its way into every painting.”

— Cornish artist John Dyer

Joanne Short: Gardens, Coastlines and Cornish Colour

Joanne Short’s elegant oil paintings bring together the many elements of Cornwall that inspire her, from sweeping beaches, harbours and sparkling seas to flower-filled gardens and colourful still lifes. Her distinctive use of strong line, pattern and carefully balanced colour gives each painting a wonderful clarity and sense of place.

Across the collection, familiar Cornish landscapes are transformed through Joanne’s unique way of seeing. Flowers and subtropical planting frame coastal views, boats cross brilliant blue water and freshly gathered blooms fill patterned vases, sometimes set against open windows looking towards the sea. Together, the paintings celebrate the connection between Cornwall’s landscape, gardens, homes and coast.

“Although our painting styles are very different, these works grew from many of the same journeys and shared experiences, capturing the colour, light and happiness of a wonderful Cornish summer.”

— Cornish Artist Joanne Short

John Dyer’s paintings capture Cornwall at its most exuberant, celebrating the energy, colour and happiness of life beside the sea. His new works are joyful snapshots of a summer lived outdoors, filled with movement, character and an infectious sense of fun.

John Dyer’s work — joyful, human and deeply connected to nature — continues Cornwall’s artistic legacy of colour, light and environmental awareness.

“I love painting flowers in vases because they bring together so many things that inspire me: colour, pattern, shape and the simple pleasure of bringing a little of the garden indoors.”

— Cornish Artist Joanne Short

Two Artists, One Cornish Summer



Together, the collection celebrates Cornwall at the height of summer, from its gardens and wildflowers to its beaches, sailing boats, swimmers and sparkling seas.

Exhibition Opens 25 August at 6pm

The new collection will be released at 6pm on Tuesday 25 August 2026 at The John Dyer Gallery online and at an exclusive RSVP Private View in Falmouth, Cornwall, where collectors will be able to meet the artists and be among the first to see the complete collection.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition: A Summer of Cornish Colour

Venue: Falmouth, Cornwall - RSVP and released online that evening

Dates: Tuesday August 25, 6pm

Artists: John Dyer and Joanne Short

View exhibition: https://johndyergallery.com/collections/summer-collection-2026

Press Images & Downloads: https://www.pressloft.com/app/johndyergallery

Artist interviews & Photos

We are delighted to work with magazines, newspapers, blogs and online publications on artist interviews and features.

Email us with your Q&A for John Dyer or Joanne Short and we will be happy to provide thoughtful responses, high-resolution photographs, artwork images and supporting information to help you create the perfect article.

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Please get in touch to discuss interviews, images, editorial ideas or referral opportunities.

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About John Dyer

John Dyer is one of Cornwall’s best-loved contemporary artists and has been Artist in Residence at the Eden Project for over 25 years. His colourful, expressive paintings celebrate the natural world, people and places, with Cornwall at the heart of his work. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and founder of the environmental art project Last Chance to Paint, John’s career has taken him around the world, working with leading environmental organisations and indigenous communities while inspiring thousands of children through art.

About Joanne Short

Joanne Short is an acclaimed Cornish artist and member of the Newlyn Society of Artists, known for her distinctive oil paintings of Cornwall’s coast, gardens, flowers and interiors. Her work combines strong line, carefully constructed composition and vibrant colour, continuing Cornwall’s rich tradition of figurative and colourist painting with a highly recognisable contemporary style. Joanne has exhibited extensively throughout her career, and her paintings and designs have reached audiences and collectors across the UK and internationally.