'Sometimes it’s a process that flows, but more often it’s an all-engaging wrestle; gaining, losing
and then re-gaining control of the painting over a period of time.'
I was born in Cumbria, UK in 1964 and my paintings are inspired by landscapes and cities and are made in my studio in Altrincham, South Manchester, UK.
My process involves a dialogue between the heightened feeling that I experience in particular landscapes and the possibilities that are presented by working with paint. I'm interested in the suggestion of form as it appears or emerges within a field of colour and texture, and also in creating a sense of space within the surface of a painting.
I apply paint to the prepared boards in an intuitive way, exploring the interplay of colours, textures, gestures and mark-making with different tools. My techniques involve building up layers, scraping back, rubbing, blending, scratching and splattering the paint onto the surface.
I work on a number of paintings at the same time, moving between them to stay fresh.
After some time, and as the layers build up, the beginnings of a composition or a particular quality of colour combination and mark-making emerges. I try to stay alert and to notice when this happens. When it does, I follow and build upon it.
Sometimes it's a process that flows, but more often it's an all-engaging wrestle; gaining, losing and then re-gaining control of the painting over a period of time. The paintings often develop into a cityscape or landscape in an oblique way as the work progresses. The process is one of controlling the work as it develops whilst remaining open to taking risks and responding to chance occurrences along the way.
Before becoming a painter full-time, I qualified as an architect and have worked in architectural practices in London, Sydney and Munich. I have participated in painting courses with the artist Nicholas Wilton and Louise Balaam and my work sells to private collectors around the world.