I realised I could draw a likeness of a subject at an early age. My degree in Graphic Art & Design at Leeds Metropolitan University, helped to advance and broaden my skills. I use a variety of methods to produce my paintings; watercolour, oil, acrylics, gouache, mixed media.
Inspired by Chinese Brush Painting I am learning to loosen my approach to painting flowers, birds and landscapes. This has given me a different approach to painting familiar themes.
Gongbi painting (meticulous) is very detailed. The intensity of colour is achieved by applying many thin glazes, sometimes over fifteen. They are also painted on the back of the image to achieve even greater lustre.
Landscape, Flower and Bird paintings using Chinese Brush techniques are a fun and liberating way to capture nature. Brushstrokes are considered very important, and a painting is considered to be written. This approach gives greater freedom and allows the artist to be more expressive.