I use watercolour in a non-traditional way to produce highly textural
work. I also use other water based media exploiting the physical
properties of each medium and the ways in which they work
together. The properties of the paper used with watercolour
significantly affects texture and so collage often features in my work
allowing me to mix papers and effects.
After collaging I may further modify the surface by scratching,
cutting or tearing back collaged areas before applying more paint.
Sometimes an area of a painting is subjected to repeated
readjustments in this way and this can produce rich layered effects.
Final paintings are produced in the studio based on sketches and
photographs made on location. My painting process is
characterised by a balance between letting the paint do its own
thing and harnessing it to compose the image that I seek.
Coastal, landscape and city scenes (including construction sites)
are my favourite subjects. My work relates to man’s harnessing of
nature, the interaction between the natural and human worlds and
the passage of time.