Sensory perception of the world around us can be overwhelming and at times, inexpressible in words. These perceptions and the emotions evoked, are also often fleeting. We receive so much information from a scene through light, colour, texture and movement, but then the light changes, the wind blows or we walk away and all of a sudden, a moment is lost. In my work, I strive to capture that single moment, that second, that evokes the strongest emotional response in the viewer. In addition to this, a piece of art, for me, needs to provide an escape for the viewer, breathing space, a moment of mindfulness. 

 

Over the years, I have developed a particular love for using oil paint, so whether I'm completing a landscape, coastal seascape or still life painting, this is the medium I choose. I love the versatility of oil paint, through the use of various additives/mediums, its' richness of colour and buttery texture. I enjoy the ability to create thick textural marks, as well as, thin washes of colour and I use both brushes and palette knives to achieve this. When I'm travelling and using my sketchbook, however, for ease and speed, I mostly use soft pastels and charcoal.

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Besides from the numerous courses and workshops that I have attended over the years, I have studied and learnt a great deal from the works of the great impressionist painters. Joaquin Sorolla remains one of my favourite artists of that era and his use of colour, in particular, greatly inspires me. Another way I have advanced my practice, is to spend time with contemporary artists that I admire, outside of formal workshops and lessons. This has been immensely rewarding and learning from some of these artists in their studios, whilst they work, has been particularly invaluable.