I am currently working on a Sunrise/Moonset series, mainly observed from The Malvern Hills. I paint with oils and cold wax medium on birch panel. I make the paintings in my studio from observation notes, coloured pencil sketches and photographs. I find there is a slippery magic that can happen if a painting evolves from an intense observation in the landscape coupled with painting time in the studio.
The slippery magic is not surprisingly rather difficult to put into words, but it involves a feeling of ease and excitement of making marks that feel utterly true to me.
The slippery magic also has an element of looseness about the colour and edges of shapes while the painting is in progress, this allows the painting to take on a life of it’s own. Most paintings quickly become shape shifters, freeing themselves from the intent of the artist. I have learnt over the years to dance rather than fight with this phenomenon.
During the Covid lockdowns I was greatly consoled by joining Zoom life drawing sessions, set up by enterprising life models. Some of my paintings are inspired by these sessions.
I have recently had the good fortune to go on a Cave Art Tour to the Dordogne in France. To stand in front of incredible art made 30,000 years to 10,000 years ago is exhilarating and deeply humbling. I have long been inspired by the economy of marks and the intense observation of the makers of Cave Art.
During WOS visitors to my studio will be very welcome to see a work in progress, my sketchbooks, paintings, limited edition prints and cards, and of course chat about art should they wish. I will also display my paintings inspired by Cave Art.
I am an artist member of “Made in Ross” www.madeinross We are an art and crafts cooperative with a gallery in the Market House in Ross-on-Wye, open every day 10.00 to 16.00. A selection of my paintings, prints and cards are always on show.