"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso
I was all set to go to art college when my father decided this was not to be. His colleague’s son had done an art diploma and was designing paper bags for a large paper manufacturer in Bristol, which was not what my father had in mind for his only child. I was duly packed off to secretarial college and didn’t get a chance to return to painting until I retired. From being a serious hobby it has now taken over completely and there are brushes drying by the kitchen sink and paint splashes throughout the house!
I paint predominantly in acrylics – I love the immediacy and the vibrancy they give – but water mixable oils give an amazingly rich lustre and I love the buttery feel of the paint.
I hope my paintings reflect my joy at being out in the Devon landscape. I try to capture the subtle changes the constantly changing light and the atmosphere bring, whether on the sea, by the River Teign, the Dart or over Dartmoor. I want to share the moment with you – to be scorched by the sun, lost in the tranquility or buffeted by the wind. I hope my paintings evoke happy memories for you and take you back to precious Devon moments you enjoyed in our shared countryside or encourage you to seek out new adventures in some of my favourite Devon places
At the Flavel Open Exhibition 2018, in Dartmouth, titled "Reflections", my painting "Moroccan Cistern" was Runner-Up to the Best in Show. It was painted from photographs taken at a cistern we visited in Essaouira on a wonderful holiday. It was a nightmare getting it right!
I was thrilled when my painting “Bend in the River” won Best Landscape at Dartmouth Art Society Members' Exhibition in 2021. It is taken from a photograph by Kevan Brewer (newforestimages.com) and was developed during a Zoom session with Devon artist Belinda Reynell during lockdown.
My painting The Am Brook at Torbryan was runner up in the President's Cup at Brixham Art Society's Annual Members' Exhibition. The Am Brook is a tributary of the Am, which flows into the Hems which then flows into the Dart just outside Totnes. This picture shows it just outside Ipplepen, near Orley Common, on a beautiful sunny spring day with the spring blossom looking gorgeous.
