On an art journey, enjoying painting portraits, and also the natural world, that we have a huge responsibility to care for.
Painting is something that remains very organic in a world that is transforming at a pace. It is a journey fuelled by trying to capture a moment or vision and to then express it with sincerity.
It can be joyous, rewarding, hopeful and sometimes disappointing but always a learning experience.
“I never saw an ugly thing in my life, for let the form of an object be what it may, light, shade and perspective will always make it beautiful” John Constable.
Having developed a committed work ethic as an artist, I now sketch and/or paint most days around North Wales. Whether I am painting a portrait or a landscape. I begin my work with exploratory sketches, starting with a focal point, which could be a shape or a tone, and then sketching outwards until the boundaries feel right, adding more paper to my original sheet if needed. Once I have ‘found’ the composition, I select a board to paint on and then the fun starts.
I usually begin by blocking in the main colour areas and then gradually adding details. I paint on several layers with plenty of drying time in between, so I find it useful to have 2 or 3 paintings at various stages of completion. Most of my work is carried out in the studio from outdoor study sketches coupled with reference material, or from a still life set up, but at times, my pochade box, brushes and paints accompany me on my travels, and of course, my life saving flask of tea!