My biggest influence was my father who was also an artist. He introduced me to many artists studios and galleries in my youth. That was a wonderful start to my lifelong passion. I studied graphic design and illustration at college, followed by a few years in London, freelancing. I never stopped painting through that period and eventually decided to concentrate on painting exclusively. I have had many opportunities to exhibit around the country including a period running a gallery on the quay in Exeter.
These days i work mainly in acrylic and mixed media, although love painting in oils. Generally, my work is built up in layers of washes and then mixed media forming the background structure and texture. I like to work scraping away colours and media, forming the final structure and composition. I aim to create a dynamic aesthetic that will grab the viewers attention. I feel my approach the formation of the work is much like a sculptor would do, taking away media rather than adding to it.
My studio is the ground floor back room with view over the garden. It has wonderful glass doors that let the light flood in. I do all my work there, including any computer work. No studio is big enough though, and i am thinking of converting the outbuilding to a storage area. Ideally i would like to work on much larger canvases in the future.
I have used wax in recent years to give another raised, three dimensional look to the final image. I like to explore shape and space that will not imply recognised images or archetypes. Hopefully the viewer will make their own minds to what the painting says to them. there is a lot of blue involved in my work. i have a definite passion for the azure/turquoise part of the spectrum. this no doubt relates to me association with the coast. I was born on the Dorset coast.
Its very difficult to chose a favourite painting as I'm always working on 5-6 new ones and enjoying the exploration. However i believe that "Orange drift" represents all the aspects that i employ at the moment. It contains the layers, the dynamic colours, the textures and the structure using mixed media. The final work has impact and hopefully attracts the attention of the viewer.
The artists that continue to inspire me are Howard Hodgkin, Albert Irvin and John Hoyland for their use of colour and the ability to lose myself in the vivid dynamism of their wonderful work.
I adore Peter Lanyon and his son Matthew for their approach to form and freedom they show in mark making.