I was an art student (Ceramic Design) at Brighton Art College in the early 1970’s. During this time I studied under Charles Bone, the renowned water colourist and mural painter. I was awarded a bursary by the Royal Society of Arts – this was used to travel around Italy researching the history/design of ceramic tiles.
On leaving college (1st Class Honours), I was offered a position by Josiah Wedgwood, where I was employed as a decorative pattern designer. I have also worked as an illustrator (for a high profile travel magazine) and fulfilled a variety of commissions, whilst at home with two children.
I currently live in Dorset and am privileged to spend most of my days painting. Proximity to the ever-changing moods of the sea and surrounding forests and woodlands provide ongoing inspiration. Whilst my early work was mostly figurative (mainly watercolour), I now paint almost exclusively in oils. I find they afford me more freedom to be expressive and I love the intensity of the colour. Over time my main style has developed away from the precise brushstrokes needed for commercial work into looser, more contemporary work. I enjoy painting “en plein air” whenever possible, where the intention is to interpret the visual information in front of me.
My main inspiration comes from the light, which I try to capture to convey a sense of atmosphere – whether on a stormy winter sea, a beautiful calm day or a glorious sunset.
I think I could quite happily paint just sky for the rest of my life……
The total freedom of abstract work is also very appealing and is a developing passion of mine. These paintings almost seem to suggest and then paint themselves – wonderful when confined to the studio for whatever reason, such as Lockdown!