Why paint??? well I don't have a choice really, it's just something I am compelled to do.
I discovered painting in my late 20's and have utilised most mediums with varying degrees of success. Being entirely self taught, everything I do is trial and error and I'm keen to give anything a go! This
does result in a lot of my work ending up in the recycling bin but when the happy accident does occur, it's very rewarding.
Much of my early paintings were large scale oil on canvas but I found it increasingly hard to get work completed due to me losing interest in a piece whilst layers dried. I have recently moved on do mixed media works on paper which are always completed in one sitting. I tend to throw anything into these works but they generally have a core of liquid acrylics, pastels, charcoal and permanent markers.
I tend to work very quickly which I think gives these images life and vibrancy.
I am inspired by people and wild landscapes. In my group series work I try not to be too prescriptive, allowing the viewer to make up his or her own mind about it, it's actually very interesting to hear different perspectives on the same piece.
I've always been interested in abstract art but in recent years I am inspired most by people...what could be more interesting? I suppose a lot of my work has a socially critical underbelly...I love the work of William Hogarth but have also drawn inspiration from Picasso, Anthony Gormley and more recently the celebrated northern artist John Thompson.
Thanks for stopping by!