A demonstration of seascape painting inspired the Sidmouth Society of Artists at their meeting at Kennaway House on Thursday, September 26.

Artist David Clarke began his career at West Midlands Art College, painting mostly in oils.

He then spent 30 years working as a primary school teacher, during which he did not paint, but he started again after moving to Sidmouth to work at the International School.

He now paints in acrylics and describes his style as 'realist impressionist'.

He bases his work on that of Paul Cézanne - although he feels Cézanne could not paint water.

At the meeting he painted a seascape in Hartland to demonstrate his techniques

Ann England from the society said: "Although he ran out of time, we had examples of the same picture showing the end result.

"These had taken several days to paint, allowing time to stand back and assess the work.

"Even unfinished, his sea looked amazing."