'Painting for me starts with an immediate response - possibly seeing the effect of light on the landscape, a cluster of trees or contrasting shapes... it always begins with that first impression.'
David J. Porter's paintings are rooted in the rhythm of walking and looking. His creative process begins out in the landscape - most often the countryside of Cheshire and Derbyshire, but also on travels further afield - where he constantly draws and makes notes. These on-the-spot sketches, often in charcoal or acrylic, capture structure, tone and movement rather than fine detail.
Back in the studio, the painting begins not with a plan but with a search. David works from his drawings loosely, allowing the image to emerge through layering, reworking, and a process of reduction. He shifts forms, simplifies shapes, and applies colour in blocks that hint at landscape rather than describe it - inviting the viewer to meet the work halfway.
His paintings aren't about exact places. They're about the feeling of having been there - the weight of a hill, the rhythm of a skyline, the quiet between trees. There's a sense of honesty in his process: an instinctive, hands-on approach that lets the painting develop naturally.
Although each work stands alone, they share a common language: strong composition, thoughtful colour, and a sense of calm energy. David keeps his practice deliberately open - never chasing a single style, always allowing room for change. His work continues to evolve, but always returns to the land, the walk, and the mark.