Having designed over 1000 gardens over the years I've reached the point where I'm really excited about painting gardens too. I think finding a way to explore colour more richly after a trip to India was the trigger I needed for expressing my love of gardens. Exploring their light and colour by building up layers helps to create a more abstract approach and working with acrylic on board allows the sense of play that I was searching for. For larger work I am using watercolour put on boldly with a palette knife. My studio is set in my garden and it is so good to be immersed in the outdoors whilst having all I need to hand. Of course if you love gardens you revel in the individual beauty of flowers and there will be plenty of flower paintings to enjoy too.
I am looking forward to sharing this year with Mary Lowry, who brings her beautiful silk and woolen weaving and Kumiko Kihara, a really original talent in silver jewellery.