My paintings are a response to places I have visited and images I remember, whether it be from walking in the Lake District, the Himalayas or New Zealand. I am always affected by the sense of space and openness, but also often by man's imprint upon the landscape and by his need to organise it.
I am interested in colour, mood and the general impression of a situation. The marks and surfaces in the environment provide me with information to use as a starting point. I work intuitively; some paintings contain strong figurative references whilst others are abstract.
I never know what the outcome will be and layer paint and rework surfaces; this often seems wasteful but it is from this process that my paintings develop. I turn the paintings regularly and need to feel that the balance is right for me at each orientation. Working on a number of pieces simultaneously I aim to respond with a spontaneity which is rich and refreshing.
On canvas I build up the surfaces with gesso before I start to paint but still find the immediacy of watercolour on paper both suggestive and exciting.
I am always inspired by the work of Peter Lanyon, Joan Eardley and Michael Porter.
I'm an elected member of Manchester Academy of Fine Art and winner of the Cheshire life landscape competition 2017.