Field Sketches from Oxford's parks, meadows and woods.
My field sketches in charcoal, pencil and chalk are light, instinctive responses to the natural world and reflect my background as a biologist and natural historian.Working outside in all weathers and times of day, my drawings aim to capture and celebrate the beauty and individuality of trees and the changing light and mood across the seasons. Current work includes sketches from The University Parks, Christchurch Meadow, Port Meadow and Wytham Woods, Oxford's beautiful open spaces which I have enjoyed for over thirty years.
I am privileged to be able to display these works during Artweeks, in situ, in the beautiful Victorian Cricket Pavilion at the heart of the University Parks for 3 days during Artweeks (Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Saturday 27th May). Original oak-framed drawings, limited edition prints and postcards will be available to buy. Sketchbooks from my ‘Year in the Parks’ drawing project which ran from September 2021-22 will also be on display and may, as last year, be the starting point for conversations or commissions.
Home-made refreshments (proceeds to charity) and sketching materials are also available for those who want to spend a little longer at this beautiful venue. Access on foot only.
I am an Oxford based biologist and artist with a life-long love of natural history and wild places. Most of my work is completed outside, where I tend to make light and instinctive sketches in response to my surroundings. My work, mainly in charcoal, chalk and pencil, explores the shapes, forms and groupings of trees as well as capturing light, weather and mood throughout the seasons. In addition to a year of daily drawings in the University parks from September 2021-22, I have recently been working in Christchurch meadow, Port Meadow and Wytham Woods and have recently exhibited drawings from these locations in the Paper Boat Cafe, Wilding restaurant and other venues within the city. Other strands of my work include drawings and watercolours of feathers and other natural forms and work with paper, text and maps. As a teacher and educator I work with school and community groups to explore the links between nature and art and have a number of ongoing collaborative projects of this kind.