Artist’s Statement
My work is inspired by the landscape that surrounds me. It’s beauty and generosity surprises and delights me every day. I am compelled to respond by striving to capture that essence; that colour; the unfolding seasonal drama that never ceases to take my breath away.
Much of my work is taken from the experience of walking; observing clumps of trees or wider horizons on the Ridgeway and in other landscapes I encounter. A Londoner at heart, I try to bring a different perspective and vision through my paintings – perhaps that element of surprise and wonder that comes from being delighted, impressed and thrilled by the natural world around me. Above all it is the colour and shape of the landscape that I am responding to.
I work principally in oil. I start by making quick pencil sketches en plein air, sometimes taking photographs; then work on more detailed charcoal sketches back in the Studio. From there I map out my colour palette often using layer upon layer of highly saturated colour. Paintings will take many sessions before I am happy with the final finish and atmosphere. Most of my work is painted onto high quality linen whose surface I favour for its organic grain and texture which fits well with the landscape subject.
Biography
Having worked for many years in the arts, television media then media recruitment in London, in 2015 we wound up our business and relocated to Wiltshire. This means I can now concentrate more on painting which has always been my goal.
Although I have been interested in the visual arts all my life, working at one time as the Picture Editor at Channel 4 and running a Fine Art Gallery in the West End, I had to fit in my own painting around my other work.
I did not initially have any formal training but my interest and determination to paint has kept me motivated. Paint and painting has been part of my life from an early age, surprisingly, at one time, having one to one lessons with a certain Claudia Roden the celebrated Middle Eastern cook and food writer.
For the past 11+ years I have attended a variety of Art Courses including Heatherley’s School of Fine Art and the Prince’s Drawing School in London. I have exhibited locally and at The Affordable Art Fair London. I take part in the Marlborough Open Studios Art Trail of over 70 Artists across the North Wessex Downs. I have also exhibited locally around Wiltshire in Galleries and Seasonal Shows.
I was delighted this year, 2022, to have been selected for the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition. My painting is also available in the RA Shop as a fine art print.