Things I’ve Noticed…
For a long time, I called this journal Studio Notes — a place to share glimpses into my painting process and the stories behind my work.
Over time, I realised that the beginnings of my paintings often happen long before I enter the studio. They begin with noticing: a shift in light, the colour of a field, the sound of birdsong, the texture of a hedgerow, or a fleeting moment in the landscape.
This is a place to gather those observations — the small things that catch my attention and, sometimes, find their way into a painting.
I’d love for you to join the conversation — if something here sparks a thought, makes you smile, or inspires an idea, drop me a comment! It’s always a joy to hear from fellow creative adventurers.
Why I Walk to Find Creative Inspiration
People sometimes ask me where my ideas come from.
They imagine I sit in my studio waiting for inspiration to strike, but the truth is rather different.
More often than not, my ideas begin with a walk.
Not a grand hike across mountains or along dramatic coastlines—just an ordinary walk, usually first thing in the morning, around familiar lanes and footpaths.
Even on mornings when staying indoors feels much more appealing…..
In fact, I've discovered that those are often the mornings when I notice the most.
On Capacity, Energy, and the One That Got Away
There’s a quiet sweet spot to working — a place where focus feels natural, energy flows, and the work starts to surprise you in good ways. I’ve learned that for me, that place usually lasts a couple of hours.
Today was a good example. I spent two focused hours painting and made a couple of pieces I really liked. They felt alive and resolved in that way that only happens when you’re properly present. And that should have been my cue to stop.