I have been painting the sea for as long as I can remember, and am especially moved by the Atlantic and the Baltic. Historically seas and coastlines have been portrayed as places of storms, battle and death but, as I walk along these boundaries of the sea and earth, I find restoration and inspiration.
When the snow fell this winter, a new spark of inspiration came and I was captivated by the quiet early morning light within a new white landscape. I have just painted a new series of snowscapes depicting the qualities of silence and stillness that fascinate me.
Although the landscapes can often be lonely and bleak, there is a quality of the light that to me, portrays hope and tranquillity. There are times when the light seems to stand so still and casts such long dusky shadows, that a soft tenderness is brought to what others might see as harsh or austere.
I live and work in London and travel to the coastlines of the northern hemisphere to concentrate on a journey of light, sky and ocean. I paint from memory and the colour sketches I make whilst on the beach. My work has no sense of place, but concentrates more on the majestic freedom and peace, together with an incredible quality of light.
By simplifying and softening the forms and through using a limited and somewhat muted palette, I aim to extract and focus on a spiritual serenity. The struggle between light and dark in my work serves not only to bring depth and perspective but also to emphasise the force and power in creation. I find that the layering of translucent glazes helps to emphasise light and shadow and allows for a rich build of colour and form.