Occasional Notes

Flowers are one of my favourite subjects to paint due to the colours, forms and harmony of nature. Within my floral paintings I aim to capture the essence of the shapes and colours by simplifying what I see and subtracting details that I feel aren’t needed.

My starting point is always a few simple line drawings and from there I’ll proceed onto canvas or board using paint, with the subject in front of me for colour reference unless it’s a drawing I’ve made whilst out and about in which case I’ll rely on memory and notes.

During last week’s half term I attended a ‘Drawing with Wire’ workshop with my 10 year old at Barnoon Workshops in St Ives.

For the first bit of the session we made quick continuous line drawings, looking at the object but not the page. This technique creates really satisfying lines which already look like wire.

Next we moved on to making drawings out of wire. I took my sketchbooks for inspiration. My dog sketches worked really well. This way of working is so satisfying and for me it’s really important to keep trying new things using different mediums as this can influence and help other work evolve.

Cornwall is awash with gorgeous gardens to visit which are proving to be hugely inspiring for my new work. I’m enjoying mixing different greens and creating a feeling of lush verdancy within my paintings. I’ve even cracked open my box of oil paints which I love using but the downside is the slow drying time. However the way it moves on the canvas and the smell of the oils and white spirit is compensation.

The paintings below are inspired by Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Tresco Abbey Gardens and Trewidden Gardens.

Do get in touch if you’d like more information on available work.

I’m thrilled to be taking part in the spring show ‘Full of the Joys’ At the Byre Gallery, Millbrook from 29th March. There’ll be a wonderful assortment of paintings,ceramics and glassware on display. The exhibition is specially curated by Elaine Dye to give a suggestion of how art and craft can look in the home rather than shown in a more traditional gallery setting. Other artists showing are Sara Bor, Alice Heaton and Adrian Mitchell.

These paintings and 9 more of mine will be on show.

The Hepworth Sculpture Gardens, St Ives is one of my favourite places to visit in Cornwall. A beautiful secluded garden filled with sculptures and plants. Her studio remains untouched since she died tragically in a fire in 1975. I love the little chalet in the garden and the conservatory with potted plants and several 1960’s chairs. There’s something magical here, it feels as if Hepworth has just left for a moment.

This is a wonderful glimpse into an artist’s life as it’s where Hepworth lived and worked. 

This collection of paintings are inspired by my visits to the Hepworth Sculpture Gardens and are available at Ainscough Contemporary Art Gallery, Dartmouth.

 

Most artists have recurring themes within their work and this can be a good way to identify an artist, a bit like handwriting. I have many recurring themes and one is spots- one of the simplest forms of pattern making which I find really appealing.

I regret to say that I painted over the one with the spotty jug and apples but at least I have a photo. I’ll repaint it at some point and alter the colours.

 

 

 A couple of weeks ago I had the joy of visiting Tresco for a week as part of an artist’s residency with Gallery Tresco. This is around the 12th year that I’ve had this amazing opportunity.

The island is full of inspiration from the sumptuous Abbey Gardens to the many deserted white sandy beaches. I filled a whole sketchbook so I have plenty of ideas for my new collection of work which will be shown in Gallery Tresco from 18th May.

 

 

I’ve been working really hard on paintings inspired by my visit to the Leach Pottery, St Ives. I began by painting in a figurative way and as I progressed the work evolved into more abstract shapes. For a challenge and a change I used a muted palette as I instinctively go for vibrant colour – this was a chance to see what happens if I tune the colour down. The results are calm, quiet and considered paintings. I think I’m happy with them all, but it’s hard to distance myself from my own work.

Looking at them now I can see touches of William Scott and Georgio Morandi. I love both their work.

My aim within my work is to capture the very essence of a scene by simplifying it and using the power of colour to evoke positive emotions.

 

This week I spent a very enjoyable morning sketching at the Leach Pottery in St Ives. It’s the first time I’ve visited despite passing it by numerous times in the car.

The atmosphere was wonderfully calm and conducive to drawing. I’m really happy with my sketches and I’m aiming to use them for inspiration for a new collection of paintings.

This is the 4th year that I’ve designed the Christmas cards for Just Whippets Rescue. Each year they’ve sold incredibly well which is fantastic for both the charity and myself. I acquired my lovely whippet, Tess from Just Whippets around 4 years ago.

I’ve also designed a Christmas wrap, handprinted decorations, a bauble, tea towel and Christmas crackers….