Ashdown Forest 01

For a period of over 30 years, my family and I have enjoyed the expanse and beauty of the Ashdown Forest. Painting a series of this special space is a way of capturing my moments and memories forever, going far deeper than a photo could ever document.

Acrylic on board

Landscape memory

A painting workshop with the talented Gerry Dudgeon really challenged the marks and colours I use. These precious painting days away allows experimentation of how I see and interpret. I used to think painting landscapes as being dull - I am now realising I have a longing to document the skies and outdoors I love and are touched by.

These workshops act as research and practice, for by myself and future guests at the Nest.

Acryllic on canvas

Sea Queen

This image followed on from my fishes painting, wanting to develop it further, changing into a more abstract image of the ocean as opposed to fish.

I often find leaving a painting for a few days, opens up a fresh vision - this gaze naturally emerged - hence the title Sea Queen.

Acrylic on canvas

Whispering Girls 01

This painting is the relationship between myself and daughters with our free-flowing chats. Using colour to depict our personalities

This was my first painting workshop, exploring abstract marks and colours, we were told the concept didn’t matter. However, the discipline of being a designer I found this a missed level to add to my paintings. For me, the concept is fundamental in creating things visual, even if the end result is not understood initially by the viewer. Having a strong story/concept, to begin with, inspires and empowers me with the decisions I make, with allowing myself the freedom to change direction as the image comes into being.

Acrylic on board

Whispering Girls 02

Acrylic on board

Loneliness

As I was painting this, my youngest daughter came in and was taken aback at how the image felt so lonely. She was totally right, unconscious abstract painting at work. I must have felt uncomfortable with my sense of loneliness and painted straight over it!

Thankfully, I document my painting stages - it’s a great way to see how I reject and accept images, often the rejected ones I later love! This being one of them.

Acrylic on canvas (now digital!)

Dover Cliffs

Prawning by day and camping by night, the night light was incredible

ProCreate

Wimbles Farm 02

Upgraded to the Eco Lodge

Acrylic on board

The Beach

This image started life as a simple background I was going to use in my design work. On rediscovering it in my library the image spoke of a beach I longed to be on. Hence the addition of my sketches.

I often find with things I reject at work I later see a new refreshed image that I bring to life. (See sketches section)

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