About me
My love of the water, walking and cycling has taken me to (almost) every bit of the island and I have enjoyed capturing the unique essence of each place and its people in my paintings.
I'm intrigued by the living world and the passing seasons, I always make a note of the plants, birds and animal species I see whilst sketching and try to include them.
I start my paintings sketching on location, I think it enhances the composition making it more dynamic, it also means you have a better sense of place.
When you spend a few hours sketching on location the finished painting reflects a period in time rather than a fleeting moment.
I also like to add a bit of fun and humour, bringing in seaside holiday fun. My work is predominantly created with a fine liner or dip pen and coloured using artists watercolours and a sable brush.
I developed the style I use today on the outdoor landscape painting module of my illustration course at Falmouth. At the time I was really into oil paint but after a few disasters with torrential rain and wind I found joy with a new medium, pen and watercolour. The pen meant I could get in all the details and the colours was quick to add (and dry unlike the oils).
One day I was painting on the beach and a large group sat down next to me obscuring the view, I painted them in and was pleased with the result – this was the start of my busy style.
I developed the style I use today on the outdoor landscape painting module of my illustration course at Falmouth. At the time I was really into oil paint but after a few disasters with torrential rain and wind I found joy with a new medium, pen and watercolour. The pen meant I could get in all the details and the colours was quick to add (and dry unlike the oils).
One day I was painting on the beach and a large group sat down next to me obscuring the view, I painted them in and was pleased with the result – this was the start of my busy style.
I graduated with some landscape paintings I loved and a now dusty portfolio of unusual editorial/satire oil paintings.
My break through was a solo exhibition in the rope store at the quay arts centre in Newport in 2005 followed by a second at Quarr Abbey in 2019. I sell my originals through my website, exhibitions, open studio events, craft shows and at Burfields in Ventnor.
I stock shops across the island as well as at local shows and events, with prints & the gifts and homeware I've designed.
My break through was a solo exhibition in the rope store at the quay arts centre in Newport in 2005 followed by a second at Quarr Abbey in 2019. I sell my originals through my website, exhibitions, open studio events, craft shows and at Burfields in Ventnor.
I stock shops across the island as well as at local shows and events, with prints & the gifts and homeware I've designed.
In the winter months I take a wide variety of illustrative and painting commissions for private and commercial customers.
I would describe myself as an ideas person and regularly have more than I could hope to bring to fruition. I’m currently working on a second Isle of Wight Book, a colouring book, a children’s book as well as new products to add to my range and several paintings.
With over 500 Isle of Wight images available as prints I have started traveling in my camper-van slowly adding to new regional portfolio.
Qualifications
HND Illustration - Falmouth College of Arts
Foundation in Art - Salisbury Technical College
Certificate in education - Isle of Wight College
