about
....my work
An established fine artist I currently focus my artistic practice on painting, underpinned by close observational drawing.
My work is contemporary realism rooted in the tradition of representational painting and I am well known for my still lives which often have a bit of a twist!
I am inspired by the history and associations inherent in ordinary objects and materials particularly from the domestic environment. Some I select because they hold a personal significance, others I collect which have an unknown history
Painting directly from life I employ a representational style to evoke the qualities of the subject which first attracted my attention, without losing the physicality of oil paint on a flat surface.
Now working in a rural studio, I have returned to exploring the landscape as subject and enjoy capturing the moods and weather of the British countryside and coast. And I have also been inspired to include seasonal flowers in my still lives.
..... myself
My path to becoming a professional artist has not been straightforward!
Despite having drawn and painted all my life, I was unable to pursue art at school as it didn’t fit in with the other more ‘academic’ and scientific subjects. Hence on leaving school I studied for a Chemistry degree before having my two children and it was only while bringing the children up that I found the opportunity to develop further artistically.
I initially studied with the Open College of the Arts and then undertook an Access to Art and Design course at North Oxfordshire School of Art, in Banbury. After this I moved on to study part time for a Fine Art degree with De Montfort University as a ‘mature student’, finally graduating in 2002 with First Class Hons. During, and after, this time I also worked part-time as a picture researcher and photo librarian in a photographic library, though the rise in digital photography led to redundancy 2007.
I have continuously developed my painting since this time working from Commercial Square Studios, High Wycombe 2015-18, and since 2019 I have been working from my new studio in the lovely village of Turville in the Chilterns, see Turville Studios for info. I am also a member of Oxford Art Society
I am also pleased to have collections of my work represented by Will's Art Warehouse The Moreton Gallery & Wychwood Art