My abstract paintings are inspired by elements in the natural world; patterns in the bark of a tree, wave patterns on a beach, natural textures, geological formations, microscopic images of cells and satellite images of stars and planets . I use mediums and collage to create texture in my work and may use metallic paints and metal leaf to add drama and dimension to a painting. Sometimes I start with a particular idea in my head – be it colour, shape or texture and then work with that unconsciously on the painting surface and just allow the painting to happen. I then tweak the artwork with more layers, collage and glazes until I am happy with the final result.
My figurative paintings occur in a similar way in that I add paint and colours in a random way on to the surface and then ponder on what I can see in the painting (or what the painting wants to reveal to me). This then forms the basis of my composition. I may see faces, figures or objects and then work with these images to allow the painting to reveal itself.
I take a very expressive approach to the rest of my work in portrait, landscape, seascape and still life painting. Colour, pattern and texture always seem to find their way into my art. I am always happy to experiment and allow happy accidents to remain in the painting as this keeps them fresh and gives them life and personality.
