I qualified as a lettering artist at the City and Guilds of London Art School in 1997. For me, lettering is a fascinating subject; the history of how writing evolved, its importance to our everyday existence and the beauty of the individual letter shapes themselves holds endless potential for creativity and I spent the following years successfully designing lettering for commercial application which included calligraphy, stone carving, signwriting and font design.

Gradually my interests broadened to include expressive art and in particular, painting.

My paintings

I paint mostly but not exclusively with acrylics and oils, applying the paint with brushes, palette knives, rollers, sponges and rags. I also employ mixed media such as pastels, inks, fillers, waxes, pens and pencils.

My work is a direct expression of love for the chosen subject whether representational, impressionist or abstract. Painting is my way of recording and honouring things I love and hold dear.

I look to nature for my representational pieces; usually to trees, landscapes and animals. I seek subjects which move me emotionally. It could be the way the light falls on the subject or how an atmosphere appears.  I make sketches of my chosen subject to see how the shapes feel and to make sure it has the potential to hold my interest for the duration of the painting, which may take weeks to complete. I’m not necessarily aiming for photo-realism – I’m more interested in somehow capturing the wonder and beauty of the subject.

My abstract paintings are a self-indulgent celebration of colour and freedom of expression; I find it thrilling when colours sing together. I deliberately allow these paintings to develop without preconceived ideas or plans.  I often start by laying down some varied textures before selecting my colour palette.  I enjoy building these paintings from a place of quiet contemplation and allowing intuition to guide me.

I now live in a quiet village on the border between Essex and Suffolk where I am surrounded by gentle rolling landscapes and ancient broad leaf woodlands which I find inspiring and comforting in equal measure.

Interested or have a question?