Like the sea she loves so much, Elspeth Hamilton’s paintings are ever-changing. Some reflect that magical moment when dawn casts its fresh – yet fragile – glow upon the waves, while others celebrate the force of waves crashing against the shore.

Elspeth, who has been exhibiting and selling her work for the past 14 years, is showing her latest watercolours at Wolfson College.

In the first room she has grouped together her river paintings, which include works that depict the Isis, the River Windrush and the River Colne, as well as the De Lank on Bodmin Moor. The second room shows her Scottish work, primarily from the Great Glen and the island of Skye. In the Florey Room she has hung her dramatic seascapes of the Cornish Coast.

The fascinating thing about Elspeth’s paintings is her ability to give her colours a voice. She has the courage to allow the juxtaposition of bright hues to make a statement, just as the detailed shapes of rocks, gorges and caves cry out to be observed.

She says water has always been a preoccupation in her paintings, whether river or sea and that her materials erode and accumulate under the influence of sun and moon. Ever-changing weather conditions and the seasons provide her with an endless variety of scenes she can transfer to paper.

Her Essex Mud at Fingringhoe, painted as dusk falls has caught the freshly-washed mud glinting in the lower light levels. It’s one of several paintings following the emergence of the marshes after an extra surge from the high tide.

Elspeth’s local scenes include a delightful study entitled The Cherwell, which uses a colourful combination of hues to take us to her favourite pub – the Victoria Arms during that enchanting moment when the sun illuminates both the river and the foliage surrounding it.

This exhibition remains on show until March 19. It is certainly worth a visit if you enjoy viewing paintings that speak to you.

The show can be viewed during college opening hours, subject to some restrictions. Call 01865 274100 to check.