I am a self-taught painter, working mainly with soft pastels and oils. Having started painting at evening classes over forty years ago, I have maintained my interest and enjoy working on a variety of subjects. This keeps my mind active and prevents boredom. My pictures tend to be representational when working at a smaller scale. I am happy to paint still life, flowers and landscape, with a special fondness for scenes with water, clouds and strong light contrasts.
My favourite places are coasts, moorland and riverbanks, where I can watch the movements of wildlife, water and sky.
In 2020 I laid aside my normal realistic approach and did a complete U-turn, choosing to experiment with abstract patterns. The following year I brought the abstract work to a close and returned to my usual subjects; as 2022 begins I am working on pastels again and, surprisingly, discovering a fresh outlet for my semi-retired acrylic paints. I also now paint while listening to music (wearing headphones), which helps me to stop over-analysing my work whilst I paint; the left side of the brain is occupied with the music whilst the right side gets on with the artwork.
In 2020 my painting is going through a big change...lots of experimenting and playtime. I shall not abandon my usual realistic style completely but with no art classes or shows to attend, I am free to break away and do other subjects. I am currently doing lots of small oils and acrylics, in abstract styles, intuitively and spontaneously.
