Five Paintings at the Mall Galleries
I am honored to share that five of my paintings have been selected for the Royal Society of Marine Artists’ 80th Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London.
The RSMA has played a significant role in my development as a painter. Five years ago, I made my first application to the exhibition. Today, as a full member of the society—and involved in this year’s selection—it feels both humbling and deeply meaningful to exhibit within this historic 80th year.
Each year the standard rises. The exhibition continues to attract artists of exceptional ability, all drawn by a shared fascination with the sea in its many forms—from harbors and estuaries to open horizons and tidal light. It is a privilege to stand among them.
A new dawn, Brighton Palace Pier
From Norfolk to Suffolk: Years of Exploration
In earlier years I explored the Norfolk coast—from Hunstanton eastwards towards Cromer—returning repeatedly to study shifting skies, tidal movement, and the austere beauty of that shoreline. Later, my journeys extended into Suffolk, working south through Southwold, Walberswick, and Aldeburgh—places whose light and atmosphere have long held me.
Those seasons were rich with discovery. Days spent working directly from life, often against the elements, deepened my understanding of structure, color, and rhythm within the landscape. Several of those works are now held at Thompson’s Galleries, marking important stages in that exploration.
Flare Up!, Brighton Beach
Brighton: A Change of Tide
This year, my focus turned to Brighton.
Not a traditional marine subject in terms of vessels or naval heritage, but for me, a natural progression from painting London—another city shaped by movement and atmosphere. Brighton offers something different: the meeting of sea and city in constant flux.
I first visited Brighton in my early twenties as an art student. Returning this year, I was struck again by its vitality. I made three further visits, each time working directly from observation. The shifting coastal light, the rhythm of the seafront, and narrow alleyways opening onto the expanse of water—it is a place alive with contrast.
Some paintings capture quiet corners and moments of reflection. Others embrace the exuberance of the promenade, where energy and hedonism hang thick in the atmosphere. For me, Brighton became less a location and more a living subject—a dialogue between permanence and movement.
Early morning painting at Brighton Pier
The Royal Society of Marine Artists: Eighty Years of Marine Painting
Founded in 1939 as The Society of Marine Artists, the Society’s inaugural exhibition was delayed by the outbreak of the Second World War. It was not until 1946 that the first exhibition took place at the Guildhall Art Gallery in London, opened by A. V. Alexander, then Minister of Defence — a testament to the seriousness with which marine art was regarded.
In 1966 the Society was granted Royal status by Her Majesty The Queen, becoming the Royal Society of Marine Artists. Throughout its history, the RSMA has maintained strong ties to the Royal Navy, with members recording historic naval events and contributing works now held in national collections such as the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum.
While the subject matter has broadened — encompassing coasts, estuaries, harbours and tidal rivers — the Society’s commitment to excellence has remained constant. To exhibit within its 80th year is to participate in a lineage that values discipline, observation and a genuine engagement with the sea.
First Spring Evening in Brighton, from the steps
Looking Ahead
The RSMA continues to evolve, welcoming new interpretations of marine and coastal life while upholding the standards established by its founders. I am proud to contribute to this ongoing tradition.
The dates for the 2026 Open Exhibition have already been announced, with submissions opening on 13 April and closing on 25 July 2026. The exhibition will run from 16–26 September 2026 at the Mall Galleries.
Alongside the five works selected, I am currently completing a further five paintings for this year’s exhibition. Each has grown out of the same series of visits and continued observation on location. I’ll be sharing more of the working process—studies, details and moments from the studio—over the coming weeks. You’re very welcome to follow along on Instagram or sign up for updates to see how the series continues to unfold.
Getting high, under the pier.
The Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries is also an open exhibition, and artists working in marine subjects are warmly encouraged to submit work. Held each year in London, it brings together members of the Society alongside selected works from artists across the UK and beyond. If you work from observation and have an interest in coastal, river or maritime subjects, it is well worth considering an entry.
You can find full details about the 2026 exhibition and submission process here: Submit now!
If you are interested in available works from Brighton or would like to discuss a commission, please get in touch via email – mail@nickgrove.com.
