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.
take one ‘picture’…
There’s something about a concertina sketchbook; the format seems so perfect for the narrative I wish to convey. It goes on and on and on. You can fold the book in various ways so different landscapes appear; a never-ending source of delight!
Let’s talk about…
Do the words ‘new sketchbook’, ‘blank pages’…’pristine, white space’ and so forth strike fear in your heart? Do you collect sketchbooks as some people collect shoes, or handbags…? Believe me, you’re not on your own!! As you can see in the following video, I have amassed a variety of sketchbooks over a looooong period of time….and some sit there, as beautiful and unused as the day I bought them!!