24/01/2024
I have learnt that the painting has a power all of its own and it must be allowed to tell its own story.
Through working on this series of paintings I have become more interested in the 'space' within the canvas. The isolation of the human figure among the seemingly empty space beyond.
17/01/2024
These paintings continue with my themes of how the past may inform us about the present. The figure has no reflection - this may suggest a moment of self-discovery or realisation that some aspect of oneself is changing or evolving.
11/01/2024
Initial sketch for new painting - charcoal on paper.
Drawing is very important to me for composition and helps with tonal qualities before I start painting. I can afford to make errors here and the final painting will evidently change in some way but at least I have a point of reference.
10/01/2024
Charcoal study for new painting
I am interested in exploring the space between the human figure in the landscape and use of certain motifs. This work continues from my previous paintings with themes of the past and how they may affect the present.
10/01/2024
'The blood - dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned...'
(W.B.Yeats - Second Coming)
04/01/2024
Detail from latest work in progress
'Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer...(W.B. Yeats - 'The Second Coming')
20/12/2023
Configurations series - work in progress
I am interested in the relationship between the human figure and the statues, sphinx, ordered nature and other motifs I researched from my time spent sketching at 18th century estates. I am also intrigued by the empty space in between.
07/12/2023
Configurations series - work in progress
I continue to explore the themes of the power of nature and the pity of humanity through this recent series. These new works present a re-imagined sparse landscape based on my earlier works, my dreams and visits to Copped Hall and Chiswick House in London.
01/12/2023
Configurations
In my earlier works I incorporated a somewhat contorted figure into my landscapes. This recent series is exploratory as I attempt to convey something of the 'pity' of the state of the human condition. I am still working with some familiar motifs - most notably the 'bridge'.
15/11/2023
Memorials - a new series
'The sphinx is drowsy,
The wings are furled;
Her ear is heavy,
She broods on the world.' (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
06/11/2023
Memorials 3
'...we have traced the stream from darkness...the sound of waters followed it to light and open day among the ways of Nature...' (William Wordsworth)
16/10/2023
Memorials 2
Early sketching and blocking in colour - work in progress.
It's an exciting time in my process and I am never quite certain about where it may lead.
11/10/2023
'Memorials 1' - new series
Further exploration using similar motifs as in my previous work. Here the world is 'turned upside down' and there appear to be 'worlds within worlds'. The landscape is reimagined to create a place for escape where nature remains supreme.
29/09/2023
Unremembered Acts - 'Suspended'
The stone sphinx on the right hand side in opposition to the natural tree on the left. They appear to gaze at each other and according to Greek myth she challenges those to answer a riddle. In my imagination I wonder who will outlast the other. Nature, I believe, with all its power will remain supreme.
04/09/2023
'Unremembered Acts' series Tonal study - oil on paper
These studies are helping me to explore the possibilities of composition and colour. By experimenting with the position of images and their relation to the landscape. I am creating new and exciting ideas to aid my storytelling and improve my painting.
04/09/2023
Unremembered Acts series Oil on paper
Working process - tonal study - Back view of the Orangery at Chiswick House - London
02/09/2023
Unremembered Acts series Oil on paper
I am working on a new limited colour palette to achieve the mood I am looking for in my work. I continue to use the same motifs to continue my journey with my storytelling whilst focusing on tonal qualities.
Slade School of Fine Art - Summer painting course.
31/08/2023
Life model study for painting work - Slade School summer painting course - charcoal on paper