In the past I made large oil paintings, many of which are now in both private and public collections.
These paintings were created over a period of time with many translucent oil layers which were sometimes peeled back to reveal the layers below.
My work is both figurative and abstract - the figurative work is often distorted by memory and the abstract work may evolve into a half remembered face or landscape.
I’m often inspired by literature, in particular poetry half remembered from studying French and German in school and at university.
Recently I have particularly enjoyed experimenting with plant dyes after a wonderful course at the Chelsea Physic Garden. I love the magic of seeing the colour transform with the addition of acid or alkali. Using gum arabic provides gloss and allows the colour to lift and crack in an interesting way.
The paintings are done on thick cotton rag paper - a happy accident may take the work in a new direction or an old painting may come to life after being reduced and reframed.
My aim now is to to pass on the joy of plant dyes so do come along and have a go!