Contemporary painter

Working from life, I create honest and thoughtful studies of the beauty and expression of the human figure. They are direct, often spontaneous observations of our body language and nature as much as of an individual’s form and features, quickly recorded in oil paint. When a person removes their clothes they reveal a different side of themselves; a vulnerability, truth and beauty that we all share. I find that very reassuring.

I have always enjoyed working spontaneously, feeling that my first reaction is probably the most truthful. I have learnt to apply paint quickly and work wet on wet, or “alla prima”, with my oils. I enjoy the movement of the paint in this way and how the corrections and mistakes tell a story of their own. 

I graduated in 2000 with a BA Hons in Furniture and Product Design from Ravensbourne. Alongside a career in design, for fifteen years I have studied life drawing with Bobby Gill who is an inspirational teacher, having taught at the RCA for many years. I still juggle the two disciplines, although art is increasingly my main focus. Challenging my work through regular observational study is very important to me, the constructive criticism of a good tutor is invaluable, and Bobby’s studio in Notting Hill will always be one of my favourite places to paint and draw.

I always think of painting as an extension of drawing, rather than a separate process. I draw with paint and often think about painting when I’m drawing. As well as my own observational study, I teach life drawing, which in turn feeds back into my work, providing me with a wonderful opportunity to see life drawing from another perspective. I often ask the model to sit for me after the class, creating many of my own paintings this way.

For a week in May I hold an annual exhibition in Blewbury with fellow artists Yvette Phillips and Eleanor Wong.

New English Art Club

I’m so excited that these two pieces have been pre-selected for the prestigious 2020 New English Art Club Annual Exhibition! Held at the Mall Galleries in London, with a history dating back over a hundred years, it is an opportunity to show work alongside some of the best artists painting today. The final selection, and exhibition have been postponed due to the Coronavirus, but, all being well, it will take place at some point this year.

RWA

I'm overjoyed that these two pieces have been pre-selected for the prestigious Royal West of England Academy of Art 167th Annual Open Exhibition! It's a fantastic, dynamic exhibition of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation and mixed media from emerging and established artists. Just dropping the pieces off ahead of the final selection was a great experience! A selection panel assesses every entry, this year's selectors include Tim Marlow, art historian and Artistic Director of the RA; Adelaide Damoah, painter and performance artist; John Talbot, art collector and Mark Hudson, award-winning art writer and critic for The Telegraph. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to make the final cut - but it's wonderful just to get this far!