Welcome to my website!
I have always loved art and in 2005, inspired by the beauty of the Cornish Landscape, I moved to Cornwall and started to paint seriously. I joined the Portscatho Society of Artists where my work, involving the lengthy and patient process of using many layers of oil paint and glazes, was slowly built up over time. Now living in Dorset I continue to enjoy creating work from all the things that mean so much to me.
Please take a look at my collection of paintings, drawings and greeting cards, which you will see include landscapes of the beautiful Cornish coast, still life pictures, and abstract ideas. If you would like to find out more about my work or to discuss a commission, then please email me using the form on the contacts page.
There is nothing more enjoyable than wandering along the coastal paths soaking up the colours, fragrance, movement and sound, these are reflected in my seascapes and harbour paintings depicting changing scenes over a passage of time. Also drawing inspiration from my surroundings, much of my work is deeply influenced by my love of flowers. Sometimes these are nature studies whilst those in the still lifes are about my memories of people and events. More recently, looking at abstract ideas evolving from the sketches and paintings that I do has been an exciting new venture to my studio work.
A common theme throughout my work is texture, and there is nothing nicer than to view but also touch the paintings. My use of thick oil paint in places, including editing and scraping as I go, allows the undersurfaces of my landscapes and interiors to show through resulting in the finished paintings becoming richly coloured and textured.
The idea that art-making can be a form of therapy stems back a long way in history, it has always been used to portray experiences and emotions. Over recent decades it has become increasingly recognised that imagery, whether it be painting, drawing or sculpting can help people reflect on their lives, aid problem-solving, release emotions, help to alleviate pain and help in recovering from trauma.
Having worked as a children’s nurse in the past and having worked and volunteered in primary schools doing art projects over recent years, I wanted to use the experience I had gained and so completed courses in counselling studies and art therapy. I have loved being able to combine my painting with working alongside children who are experiencing a lack of confidence, low self-esteem and also those experiencing mental health trauma.
If this is something you would like some more information on then please get in touch via my contacts page.