My grandmother taught me a love of nature and its colours when I was a child. However, my artistic attempts were not encouraged during my school years and it was not until a few years ago that I began painting in order to record my responses to the countryside I live in.
Since 2005 I have taken part in various Exhibitions and Art and Craft fairs in Devon. Last year I took part in the North Devon Art Trek and Devon Art Works open studios events.
My work can be seen in a range of cards, prints and framed originals in local venues.
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I love the rugged wildness of Dartmoor, especially in the autumn and winter when it is takes on hues of russet and gold with hints of bronze and purple.
Whenever I can, I go for walks with minimal painting equipment and make quick sketches of the scenes around me, looking for the many varied colours in what at first seems very ordinary. It is amazing what colours you can find even when so-called grey clouds fill the sky.
I also enjoy painting the mountainous landscape and vivid colours of the Mani in southern Greece. As on Dartmoor, I walk, and sketch, through the olive groves and along the old mule tracks to the mountain villages.
Back at home I play with colour and different effects. I use watercolour and acrylic ink because of the wonderful choice of vibrant colours, and experiment with bases such as gesso or tissue paper to give various texture effects. This adds to the excitement because I never know how it will turn out.
I also offer walks on Dartmoor encouraging people to record their responses to the landscape with minimal equipment and without worrying about 'the rules'. |
