Artist Spotlight: Penny Rumble

Sancreed House is delighted to be exhibiting the powerful, atmospheric work of Penny Rumble, an artist whose deep connection to the Cornish landscape is felt in every sweeping brushstroke and tempestuous sky. We sat down with Penny to talk about her remarkable journey—from zoology and fine art dealing to becoming a full-time painter on the rugged coast of West Penwith.

A Life Reimagined in Cornwall

Originally from Wolverhampton, Penny first built a career in zoology, studying animal behaviour in Cambridge. The precision and curiosity she developed during those years—truth, detail, and observation—continue to shape her artistic practice.

After more than 25 years in the fine art and antiques trade with her husband Simon, the couple found themselves ready for change. Cornwall, a place they had visited every year for decades, suddenly transformed from a beloved holiday destination to a new chapter of life. Within just days of listing their home, they sold it—and by Easter they were residents of Sancreed, a quiet village overlooking the Cornish hills and glinting sea.

From Hobbyist to Professional Artist

Although Penny had always painted and sketched, it was Cornwall’s rich creative community that inspired her to pursue art seriously. With the support of her mentor Doris in St. Ives, she embraced oils, palette knives, and bold, expressive movement. Within a year, she was exhibiting.

Large canvases quickly became her hallmark—giving her space to let gesture, motion, and texture take centre stage. Unlike many artists, Penny doesn’t paint outdoors. Instead, she visits each location with notebooks, sketches, and a keen eye for atmospheric detail.

The Landscape That Shapes Her Vision

West Penwith is a land of extremes—Atlantic storms, ancient stones, rugged cliffs, and luminous skyscapes. Penny calls it “an aggressive type of beauty,” and her work captures that tension between power and peace.