Ralph and his Postman Pat Van

A Commission:  Size: 73cm (w) x 60 (h). Oil on Canvas

I had the absolute pleasure of painting this heartwarming, sentimental moment in time for our neighbours, whose son absolutely loves vans (old cars he can renovate) and his dogs.  He set up the perfect spot next to a hay bale on the top field where I took a number of photographs trying to capture various expressions. Despite having a car as a focal point, I tried not to turn it into a "chocolate box" rendition, instead, add personality .... and there was plenty of that. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang eat your heart out! I described the texture of the dry grasses and hay using my palette knives and I enjoyed "finding" those warm colours that weren't there to balance the greens. I most welcome project that kept me busy during the cooler weeks. 

Quiet Conversations

39cm (w) x 32cm (h) (Including Frame). Original Mixed Media Painting

Venice has been painted many times before but it always holds a fascination especially when you can find different ways to interpret it. This scene is full of broody silences and shadows and areas that you cannot see. I used a mixture of paper collage, watercolour & acrylic inks to try to enhance the atmosphere, texture and age of this magical place.

Boiled Eggs

51cm (w) x 76cm (h).  Original Acrylic & Acrylic Ink Painting

This theme of the V&A tea rooms will appear many times in my work. I seem to hold a fascination for the decorative columns and enormous lighting fixtures that dominate this room. Its appeal is also the fact that it is full of people most of the time, so the room is very much alive. It contains pretty much everything that I love to paint. I have added a little something, however, so I will leave that up to you to spot.

Little Ballerina

A4 Sketch

How can one resist such a cute image? It brings back memories of when my sisters and I started to dance and trying to make sense of what the feet and hands were supposed to be doing. I included this project into one of my drawing classes and, even though we found it challenging with all its soft edges and proportions, we were greatly rewarded.

Pre-Raphaelite Beauty

Mixed Media: Coffee & Acrylic Ink Washes and Paper Collage

During my search for ideas that could be relevant for my mixed media art class, I came across some beautiful paintings on the internet which made me sit up and take notice. It is never wise to mimic another artist but one can certainly be inspired by combinations and approaches. I decided to adapt what I had seen to the portrait above. I photocopied images and typography onto watercolour photocopy paper. I recommend that you only use this type of paper if your machine can cope with a weighty stock. We identified where the highlights in the face were and used the paper to mark them out. Once secured with PVA, we used the coffee wash to map in the mid tones throughout. Acrylic ink and stronger watercolour washes were used to establish shadows and final details. Very rewarding indeed. 

"Your Turn"

46cm (w) x 35cm (h) (Including Frame).

Original Watercolour & Acrylic Ink Painting

It is a joyful experience painting these quirky and characterful animals. The family who live just around the corner have a miniature farm yard next to their house. It has been stocked with all sorts of little creatures this summer. Unfortunately many of them don't survive the Christmas festive season so I have to paint them whilst they are still there. Very sad, because I get to know them .... seriously. This little family are certainly a new addition and their glances and stances are human in every way. Once again, I have enjoyed using acrylic inks in gay abandon because of their fluidity and intensity of colour.

Afternoon Tea

40cm (w) x 51.5cm (h) (Including Frame)
Original Watercolour & Acrylic Ink Painting

The Victoria and Albert Museum Tea Room is one of my favourite interiors to study and paint. You will be seeing a few more interpretations of this subject. I started with loose watercolour washes, and not a drawing, in order to keep it fresh and atmospheric. Seeing where the brush takes me is what keeps me interested and excited about the painting process. Once those foundations were laid, I used acrylic inks for added tone, colour and relevant detail.