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.
The Art of Patience…
Watercolours paints, acrylic inks - both mediums I love. My usual modus operandi is to work quickly, their very nature providing a limited amount of time to ‘move’ them around…but, but…
What’s your favourite colour palette?
Let me just state, here and now, the chances of seeing me in a bright red dress or a shocking pink top are rare to non-existent…I have been known, on the odd occasion, to sport a vivid orange scarf, but on the whole my wardrobe is an homage to dark blues, blacks, browns and beige…and as for my home decor…
take one picture…
I don’t know about you, but even though I create lots of work I like, there are always some paintings that particularly resonate with me, that just click, and you can almost hear yourself shout ‘Yes!!
Take one picture: of quiet moments
Of Quiet Moments is an expressive painting in a muted, soothing palette, inspired by early mornings, sat with a steaming mug of coffee watching the river come to life…a moment of calm before the day ahead…
Well before lockdown, I used to spend long periods beside the river. I loved walking along its banks, absorbing its changing moods and cast of characters; from the chattering swallows to the haughty swans, to fleeting flashes of blue and orange, to footprints in the mud telling of night time visitors.
This river landscape provided a whole world of inspiration…
take one picture: wild edges
Those liminal edges between land and sea and sky… Elemental forces at work; fast moving skies, crashing waves, constantly changing shoreline.
a moment in time…
The end of a glorious summer day. The light was fading, sounds of the day melting away, punctured only by the chattering of the swallows and house martins as they swooped and skimmed over the surface of the water, before heading off to roost. I recall sitting on the riverbank, cool drink in hand, aware of the hush that was ‘settling’ over the landscape; that period before the stars of the nighttime - both in the heavens and on land - made their appearance. The trees and tall reeds seemed to bow to the river, paying homage, before sharing stories from the day; the meandering river carrying them downstream, scattering them on the breeze…