My work begins with observational drawing. I sketch while I am out walking in the landscape around my home. Weather conditions often dictate that the work is done at speed, sometimes just a few marks and lines to convey the essence of the subject.  I will revisit these initial drawings at a later stage in the painting process, to simplify and remind myself of the initial inspiration. Being immersed in drawing allows images to become embedded in my memory. These can be recalled at a later stage of the painting process, sometimes years later.

When I am in my studio, the starting point for my painting is spontaneous and experimental. I prefer not to have a firm idea of what I am trying to achieve at this stage and am happy to let the painting develop in its own way.

I usually start in Acrylic and move onto Oil as the work progresses. I work on several paintings at once, adding layers of colour and building up surface texture.  I enjoy working on a surface with a history and will often go back to a canvas that is quite old and re-work it by over-painting areas and over-drawing – hence the piece builds up over many months, even years.

I can’t imagine a world without Colour. It is very important in my painting, and I use it to express emotions. Certain colour combinations will stop me in my tracks and make my heart sing!

The coast has always been a big influence in my work. Childhood memories of storm waves crashing over sea walls; the sound of the foghorn from Whitburn lighthouse. Now living in Cornwall, the extremes of weather and how this affects people’s lives by the coast are a recurring theme. Rural life, traditions, rituals,  antiquity, old buildings and ancient land are also themes that I regularly explore in my work.

There is always a pivotal moment in each painting, which may be in response to something I have glimpsed while out walking or simply an interesting juxtaposition of colours/shapes in my studio.  My final intentions are realized when all distractions are stripped away in a moment of clarity.

Ultimately, through my practice, I am learning to simplify and pare back, to reinforce the things that are most important to me in my life.