Light on Water: Meet Hazel McNab

There’s something about the Cornish coastline that stays with you. The shifting light, the dark rocks against bright sea, the constant movement of water. For printmaker Hazel McNab, it has become both subject and source.

Hazel works in reduction linocut, creating striking prints that capture the energy and luminosity of the coast around her home. Her work feels alive with movement, yet carefully considered, layer upon layer of colour building depth and atmosphere.

From Fashion and Textiles to the Cornish Coast

Hazel has always been creative. Her formal training began with a BA in Fashion and Textiles at St Martins School of Art, followed by an MA in Fashion and Textiles at the University of Central England.

Her current body of work began six years ago when she moved to Cornwall. That move, she says, changed everything.

“Since I moved to Cornwall it’s been amazing.”

The landscape offered not only inspiration but clarity. The sea, the rocks and, most of all, the light became central to her practice.

Walking, Watching, Translating Light

Ideas often begin on long walks along the Cornish coastal paths with her dogs. Camera in hand, she gathers reference images and moments of light catching the water in unexpected ways. These walks are as much a part of her creative process as the time spent carving and printing.

Her favourite medium is reduction linocut, a technique that requires planning, patience and precision. Each layer is carved and printed in sequence, gradually revealing the final image. There is no going back once a layer is cut away, which gives the process a certain intensity.

“I love catching the light on water,” she says. “The coastline around Cornwall has sea, rocks and light.”

She works from a studio at home, fitting printmaking around walks with the dogs and her other great love, dancing Tango. Her routine shifts with the weather and daylight hours. Some days are for printing in the morning and walking in the afternoon. Other days revolve around cutting between layers, waiting for ink to dry, or catching up with social media and news write-ups.

She cannot listen to music while she works. “It just makes me want to dance.” Instead, she listens to stories on Audible. One recent favourite has been The Overstory by Richard Powers.

Milestones and Moving Forward

Moving to Cornwall was a turning point, but so too was becoming a member of the Cornish Craft Association and joining Art Space Gallery in St Ives, where she exhibits alongside six other artists. Being part of a creative community has strengthened her practice and widened her audience.

Last summer marked a major highlight. Hazel was awarded first place in her category, Earth’s Wild Beauty, at the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2026 exhibition at the Mall Galleries. A remarkable achievement and recognition of the power of her work.

This year she will be returning to Printfest Ulverston from May 1st to 3rd, continuing to share her prints with new audiences.

Her ideal creative day? “More hours.”

In the studio, she keeps things simple. Water in her mug and Frazzles for a snack

Hazel’s prints remind us how powerful light can be. Not just as something we see, but as something we feel. Through careful carving and layered colour, she captures fleeting coastal moments and makes them last.

We’re proud to be sharing her work and look forward to welcoming you into the gallery to experience it for yourself.

You can also explore more of Hazel’s work online:

🌿 www.hazelmcnab.com

🌿 Instagram: @hazelmcnabart

🌿 Facebook: hazelmcnabart