Heather McAlpine, born in Stirling, Scotland, moved to London to study art, achieving a BA (First Class Hons) from East London University and an MA from the Royal College of Art in 1995. She has lived in Vancouver,
Canada until 2014. Returning to the UK she choose to live in the artistic community of St Ives where she works from her studio in Whites Old Workshops. She is a committee member of the Newlyn Society of Artists and a member of the St. Ives Society of Artists.

“My recent paintings are inspired by my love of wild swimming. This has given me a new perspective and access to the sea year round. One of my favourite places to swim is Porthminster Point, which is usually isolated as it takes a bit clambering over the rocks to get to the sea, the rocks are covered in small barnacles and ochre coloured seaweed, at low tide the colours are at their best. I prefer to paint in the evenings
and reflect on the experiences of the day then I can immerse myself in the painting process, using acrylic paints I combine many layers and experimental mark making techniques which I find offers me the freedom to explore the energy and movement of the sea which has become the predominant influence in my work.”