ABOUT
My interests are eclectic and this is reflected in the wide range of subjects I enjoy painting. These include landscapes, harbour scenes, atmospheric seascapes, details of buildings and studies of wildlife in the environment. I am always reminded of the importance of Cornish heritage of mining, farming and fishing by the sites through the imprint these activities have had on the landscape.
My choice of subject to paint also tends to reflect an academic and practical background and interest in the Earth and Natural Sciences. My doctorate reflected specific research interests in geological and marine sciences. I also studied ecology and conservation to augment skills when volunteering with the National Trust, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and at sea with the RSPB on the Scillonian, the ferry to the Isles of Scilly. All have a significant influence on the choice of images that appear in my paintings. A further career in education relates strongly to knowing how to disseminate information to learners and experienced alike in the context of teaching watercolour. All these experiences rolled in together give me a feel for the environment which I endeavour through personal study experience and practice to translate into paintings which speak for themselves.
My artistic aspirations were first formed when I saw paintings by the Norwich school, particularly John Sell Cotman. Visiting galleries led to an appreciation of the use of light by Joaquín Sorolla and the immediacy of John Singer Sargent’s watercolours. Julius Mařák’s paintings of woods and forests in Central Europe are a joy to behold as are the seascapes of William Trost Richards of the Hudson River school. Living in West Cornwall there is a wealth of inspiration within the Newlyn, Lamorna and St. Ives schools.
I make a point of signing up for painting courses with contemporary artists. My recent experiences include sessions with Alvaro Castagnet, Pablo Ruben and Jane Lampard. I distil all these influences and apply them to my own work and use them as inspiration for teaching watercolour to local groups.