St. Ives (All Round)

Pearce's artistic talent was discovered whilst he attended the St Ives School of Painting in his early twenties. Although using watercolours, these early works laid the foundations for the bold oil paintings of his later career of which St Ives (All Round), 1977 is a prime example.
Pearce's unique style was not a matter of choice but instead came from the brain damage he suffered from the congenital disease phenylketonuria. As such he was unable to express any detailed understanding of spatial relationships as well as the effects of light and shade. His non-realistic manner and heightened pallet aimed to evoke the atmosphere of St Ives rather than produce an exact representation of his much loved home. Pearce's 'all round' works are among his most exceptional. Viewed from above, perspective is denied as buildings are portrayed upside down. His extraordinary visual memory enabled him to recall, in minute detail, everything he saw on his walks round St Ives. He would turn his board around as he worked on these paintings, leaving the boats as the only consistent element that would remain the 'correct' way up.
Pearce's instantly recognisable paintings have gained him critical acclaim around the world.