THE PROCESS

First- a detailed drawing. Without trying to sound mysterious, I don’t know how and where the ideas come from. It might be a combination of observation, memory and unrelated details, but it is always something I can relate to. I never have a clear plan of what I am going to do. There could be a vague notion of something semi-specific, but the end result will inevitably be quite far removed from the initial thought. I have several very different styles-quirky architectural, humorous, conceptual, midcentury, artdeco and latest addition-florals. Change of style/theme works to avoid going stale –or worse-confined to same used to death theme of samey-samey variations of same samey thing. I get bored and lose inspiration working one theme too much, so I  switch onto something of different style or technique for the next work. In same way,

        Composition and colour are the most important elements in my work. Colour creates an atmosphere of happiness. Composition is for harmony and balance. Everything else comes from the feeling.

         I concider myself to be mostly self taught, although I studied arts and history of arts as part of my degree. Emphasis was on classic drawing studies, but painting was somewhat of a secondary importance. It was also all about watercolours and tempera.  I learnt to understand these mediums but not to love them. I preferred drawing and drafting. Years later I discovered oils-with their completely different technique to what I was taught about watercolours and tempera, but love at first brushstroke nevertheless, I learnt “on the job”.

         I never emulate anyone else’s style. If it didn’t come from within, it has no meaning and no feeling for me. To quote,

       “An Artist must paint what he feels and feel what he paints”. This is something that can’t be taught, but is inborn.