Growing up in the Sussex countryside, I have always been happiest immersed in the natural world, and taking time to understand the other species we share our planet with, both domestic and wild.
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As I’ve progressed as an artist, my work has naturally centred around these themes. I’m constantly in awe of the beauty of the natural landscapes around us, and always keen to share this experience through my art. From the sweeping coastlines to the hidden forests and valleys, there is so much inspiration, with the changing light and colours of the seasons, and the shifting textures of nature.
My greatest joy, however, is celebrating the animal world. The sheer variety of wildlife, each species with their own individual characteristics, while still in a perfect balance with their environment. Saying this, domesticated animals are also incredibly important to me, sharing and enriching our lives every day with their comfort and friendship.
Usually working with oils or acrylics, with each painting I try to capture a moment, uncover the story, and find an expression to create a connection between the subject and the viewer. I attempt to highlight the profound impact animals can have on us, while also showing the hidden world of their interactions within their own communities. Overall, I hope to deepen our understanding of the individual nature and personality of each subject I paint.
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As I write this, the main reason that I paint comes home to me. Words cannot come close to expressing the joy I feel from our natural world, and it is through my art that I can celebrate this visually; to show nature through a more focussed lens, honouring the brilliance, power and beauty of the world around us. Highlighting the importance of the species we are privileged to share it with, and the devastating challenges posed to them by changes in our modern world.
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Art is something which has always been central to my life. As a child, I loved to draw and paint from an early age. Encouraged by my family and teachers, I have always been driven to take my skills to the next level, and find new ways to express myself through my chosen medium.
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I learnt the basics in painting with oils while still at school, before completing a foundation course at Hastings College of Arts and Technology, where I could explore a wider variety of techniques and expression. Excited by the idea of showing a concept within an image, I was accepted to study Illustration at The University College for the Creative arts at Maidstone in 2005. After graduating with a BA Hons degree, I realised my true passion was for painting, and creating work inspired by my own interests and beliefs.
I have painted ever since, always looking to find ways to improve my skills through reading and learning from the experiences of others. This was alongside travelling and seeing the world, which has fuelled my artwork. In 2010 I travelled to Australia, and spent the next 2 years exploring and experiencing different ways of living, from cattle stations in the outback to diving schools in Indonesia. In 2012 I moved to Ireland, spending the next 2 years living and working in the stunning South West scenery of County Kerry. Returning from Ireland, I successfully applied for a 3 month residency at Ateliers Fourwinds in the South of France, which was a wonderful opportunity to regain my full focus on painting, in a beautiful and creative environment.
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I moved to East Cornwall in 2014, where I am now settled with a studio in Bodmin, and I am excited to soon be teaching introductory landscape painting workshops at the beautiful location of Enchanted Valley Yurts, near Looe.
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It is my belief that art can enrich the lives of everyone it inspires, and after several years working in a gallery when I first moved to Cornwall, I realised many people feel it is a subject out of their understanding and reach. My aim is to bridge that gap; to show that, if you would like to create, you absolutely can. Rather than simply copying an image, my workshops will provide the basic foundations which all painting styles are created upon, allowing anyone to not only produce their own painting during our day together, but also be empowered to use that knowledge towards discovering their own artistic style moving forwards.
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If you would like to find out more about upcoming workshops, take a look at my landscape painting classes page.
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