PepsCreative

Longstone Lighthouse

For years, I’ve wanted to create an illustration inspired by the many photographs I’ve taken of the Farne Islands. Located off the Northumberland coast, the islands are a remarkable place where wildlife, history and dramatic coastal scenery come together.

Best known for their thriving seabird colonies, the Farne Islands are home to more than 200,000 birds each breeding season, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Boat trips from Seahouses offer visitors the chance to experience this extraordinary wildlife spectacle, while autumn brings the arrival of grey seals and their pups. The islands also hold an important place in British history as the home of the 7th-century saint and hermit, St Cuthbert.

The focal point of this illustration is Longstone Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks in Northumberland. The lighthouse is forever associated with Grace Darling, whose courageous role in the rescue of survivors from the wrecked Forfarshire in 1838 made her a national heroine. The upper window within the central white band is where Grace is said to have first spotted the unfolding tragedy.

Creating this piece was a challenge. Water is notoriously difficult to capture using marker pens, my preferred medium, and achieving the shimmering movement of the sea required many layers of colour, shadow and highlight. What continues to draw me to this scene is the striking contrast between the bold red-and-white lighthouse and the vivid blue sky and sea that surround it.

This original Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse illustration celebrates one of Northumberland’s most memorable coastal landscapes, combining its rich maritime history with the beauty of its wildlife and seascapes.

The video clip below shows how I constructed the drawing. Starting with pencil before blocking in the sky. The lighthouse itself was relatively straightforward before tackling the detailed sections of brickwork, rocks and then of course, the sea!