The inspiration for my painting is very simple and there are no profound meanings in any of my work. All my paintings are a response to what I see around me; lines, colours, shapes, light, all turn into pictures in my head which I cannot resist. I have two main ways of working : The first way is scribbly sketches and memory: I usually carry a sketch pad, so I do quick sketches, remember the idea, and let it develop in my imagination. I might make colour notes and sometimes put down some rough colour on the sketch when I get home. I then work up the idea into a painting in the studio. The second way is Plein Air or painting on the spot. From time to time I go out with my easel, (and my friend), and set up outside. This is really different. It is exciting, challenging, and completely absorbing. Light changes quickly and I have to work fast to capture what I see in that moment. There is a slight feeling of panic as I try to get it all down. Back in the studio I might finish it off but make no changes so the end result has a very different feel from the pictures done from sketches and memory. My exhibition has examples of both these methods.
I work in both oil and pastel, often with a palette knife, which is very liberating and can produce some exciting effects.
For various reasons I was unable to paint for several months, then in September I spent a week in Wales and got going again. So the exhibition includes several paintings of beautiful Aberdesach on the Llyn Peninsula. The exhibition is open every day from May 20th - May 29th from 11 - 6, in my studio at the bottom of my garden. I am hoping that by then the garden will be lovely!