In the 1960s, Kenneth visited Lanzarote and the vibrant fields of poppies upon the volcanic land inspired perhaps one of Kenneth’s most recognisable motifs. Kenneth became interested in the evocative riot of red colours he saw. The tumultuous ensemble of rich colour, whether red, orange or purple, became ingrained in Kenneth’s artistic psyche and has evolved into his paintings today.

His return home to Ballywalter coincided with a proliferation of poppies on the sweeping sand dunes, inspiring a whole series of work and experimentation that focused on the abundant blooms infused within the landscapes and seascapes of Ireland which came to be known as Webbscapes. By the 1970s, the poppies that had so brightly furnished Ballywalter had become a natural aspect of Kenneth’s works.

Gerald Goldberg, Governor of the National Gallery in Ireland, wrote in 1973; “Last year in America, I saw a study by Henri Matisse of poppies. I do not think Mr. Webb could have seen it. Yet, today I see the same treatment, the same use of texture, the proper use of colour in the wonderful, fascinating, living poppies from Mr. Webb’s brush. They are fresh and strong, overbearing in pride, upright with knowledge that they are among the rare, the rich and the beautiful, shimmering with light, an exciting never-to-be- forgotten experience.”

The tint and colour of the poppy varies so greatly, with season and light and movement. Sometimes the light shines entirely through the petal as though transparent, at other times the colour is opaque, creating what Kenneth describes as “an exhilarating impact”. Whilst an individual poppy may enchant, when grouped in a great display, the impact can be tremendous.