The Royal Cornwall Museum's celebrations for Sea Britain start this month with an exhilarating exhibition by Paul Nicholls. Titled 'New Wave' it explores the surfing image with bright, action packed paintings.

Paul has been widely involved in the artistic community having been elected to the Newlyn Society of Artists shortly after moving to Cornwall in the early 70's. He has exhibited widely throughout the South West.

Paul says of his work, "I like to explore themes in my painting and 2005, 'The Year of the Sea' coincides with my exploration of the surfing image.

"I am interested in the power that is generated by a person suspended, or immersed in the fury of a breaking wave. The pattern and movement, create excitement and tension as they fall, emerge or fly with speed as their only means of support."

Since studying art in Portsmouth in the late 60's Paul has participated in many publications and commissions. He has created public art murals around the county and most recently starred in 'Arts and Crafts' a documentary which featured him painting a French market in Truro in one day in September 2004.

His work has been exhibited widely and can be found in private collections as far afield as Israel and the USA.