A Red Carpet Moment: My Marbella Art Fair Experience
Just 72 hours in Marbella — but it felt like stepping into another world.
Leaving a grey, drizzling UK at 6am, I had almost forgotten the joy of that first step off the plane in a hot country — when the heat hits your face and that unmistakable rush of excitement tells you: you’re abroad. I’ve always loved travelling, especially by plane. On the flight out, chatting with my friends, I realised why — I love the bird’s-eye view. Looking out of the window down at the world below feels so similar to when I use my drone for painting research. It’s that same perspective shift — vast, humbling, inspiring.
I was heading to Marbella for the Art Space Art Fair, where I was incredibly honoured to have my work on display. The exhibition was an international showcase featuring artists from all genres and styles — with only myself and one other artist presenting seascapes out of 80 exhibitors.
I created a five-piece collection especially for the event, each piece focused on the Mediterranean and the coastline of Marbella. I knew there would be a VIP preview, but I hadn’t expected it to be quite so luxurious.
When I arrived at the Anantara Padierna Palace Hotel — a breathtaking palace nestled in the Benahavís mountains — the golden early evening light made everything feel even more opulent. Supercars were lined up at the entrance, couture graced every corridor, and it was the epitome of high-end glamour. But the most surreal moment? Being asked to pose on the red carpet for photos. I felt like a movie star.
Inside, the space was already buzzing. I later found out there were 1,500 guests — all about to see my work. As I wandered through the rooms, searching for my collection, I felt that mix of nerves and excitement. Would anyone have stopped to look at it? My heart soared when I spotted a couple standing intently in front of my pieces, studying the textures.
That moment sparked a whole evening of conversations — people from all over the world (French, Spanish, Russian, Irish, American, Portuguese... honestly, I lost count), all drawn to the work and the stories behind it. One thing became crystal clear to me: the pull of the ocean spans every language, and art has the power to connect us across all borders.
The whole evening was a beautiful whirlwind, over far too quickly — but it left me even more passionate about bringing the ocean into people’s homes. One question I was asked again and again was: Do you paint other global locations?
This collection wasn’t my first inspired by a place outside Cornwall — and while Cornwall will always be home for my creative soul, there’s something truly special about studying new shorelines, seeing how the light shifts and the textures vary across the world.
If you have a favourite holiday destination or a home abroad and would like to explore a commission, I’d love to hear from you. And if there’s somewhere you think I must paint next — let me know!
The final 36 hours in Marbella were a dream: wandering around Puerto Banús, drooling over the designer stores (a dream come true for this former fashion buyer), sipping strong coffee overlooking the mountains, devouring glorious food, and of course, dipping into the Mediterranean sea. And just like that, I was back on the plane home — head full, heart fuller.
I cannot wait for the next adventure, if you can recommend a location you think I should paint let me know! And if you want to be the first to hear about my new painting collections of Cornwall and beyond, make sure you are signed up to my email newsletter.
Gem
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