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.
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.