Anna Shelvey
Original Contemporary Paintings Inspired by the Coast
Inspired by the coastlines of Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate and beyond, my paintings explore light, weather and the meeting point between sea and structure.
Working intuitively with layers of acrylic and texture, I create original contemporary paintings that are rooted in real places while leaving room for the viewer's own interpretation.
Exhibitions & Events
My work is exhibited across Kent in galleries, exhibitions and creative spaces. As my practice continues to grow, I'm fortunate to have opportunities to share my paintings with new audiences throughout the county.
Recent Exhibitions
- Creative Maidstone (2026)
- In A Space Open Call Exhibition, Whitstable (2026)
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
- Bodies of Water, Square Gallery, Dover (until 8th August 2026)
- East Kent Art Society, Sandwich (August & November 2026)
- The House, Ramsgate (Autumn 2026)
- Gallery 37, Broadstairs (November 2026)
- Jobmuscroft Gallery, Margate (May 2027)
There are several exciting exhibition opportunities currently in the works, and I'll be sharing more details soon.
About Anna
I'm fascinated by the way light can completely change the feeling of a place.
I'm an abstract artist based in Ramsgate, creating paintings inspired by the coastlines and architecture of East Kent, Sussex and beyond.
Most of my work starts with somewhere I've been. I take photographs when the light, colours or atmosphere stop me in my tracks, but I'm not interested in recreating the scene. Those moments are simply the starting point. Once I begin painting, the work usually finds its own direction.
I'm constantly inspired by photographers who capture light and atmosphere in ways that make me stop scrolling. Their images often spark the first idea for a painting, but I'm never trying to recreate the photograph. I'm interested in what happens after that first spark.
I paint with acrylic, building and removing layers, scraping back surfaces and adding texture until the painting feels balanced. I'm drawn to weathered surfaces, changing skies and the point where sea meets structure. My work is less about capturing a place exactly as it is, and more about capturing what it felt like to be there.
I came to painting after giving up alcohol. Looking for something creative to replace old habits, I picked up a paintbrush and never really put it down. What started as a distraction gradually became a serious artistic practice.
I am a selected member of the East Kent Art Society.
Original paintings and selected fine art prints are available.
Works in 2026
Original paintings and selected fine art prints available.
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Art by Anna Shelvey
Contemporary abstract paintings inspired by landscape, structure and the changing coastline of Kent & Sussex.
📍 Ramsgate, Kent
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