I am a Scottish painter living in Hampshire and I work predominately in oils. The musical elements I bring from my previous career in education are integral to my practice.
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I find the dramatic environment of my heritage seeps into the character of my paintings, particularly in my abstract work. I admire Joan Eardley and relate to her images, especially the landscapes of Scotland. These words resonate:
"Believe in the emotion you get from what your eyes show you."
My approach is energetic and rhythmic. I try to retain the fluidity and freshness of early strokes, to feel the movement and follow what I hear in my mark making. A spontaneous and intuitive response to beautiful accidents helps guide my direction. As the interplay between layers and the resonance of gestural marks intensify, I balance with stillness: a pause to give importance to my subject or to allow the space to speak.
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Creating ambiguity allows me to say more. This thread is always with me even when my work is less abstract. I am satisfied when I feel simplification in a piece. This is when the narrative works; the essence appears, allowing the viewer to sing their own song.
