My story
I grew up in a coastal village (Newton Ferrers) in the southwest of England. I was brought up by very artistic and adventurous parents, which is where my love of art began. I spent all of my childhood cycling and painting around the local lanes and every summer sailing around the cost of France.
I first trained as a Landscape Architect doing a degree and post grad diploma at Thames Polytechnic. I then worked as a landscape architect in London, Manchester, Bristol and Plymouth.
I further went on to study for a Fine Art Degree at Plymouth University. For the following ten years I worked as an artist and a community arts coordinator in Devon and Somerset.
In 2011 I trained as a secondary school art teacher and taught art for 12 years.
I live in Wellington, Somerset (UK). I paint the fish from my local fish van and I take inspiration from the local countryside and from my occasional travels.
Cycling – last summer I completed a solo cycle trip, through France and Spain – camping in my tent and sketching as I went! This summer, 2024, I am planning another cycling trip through France.
What I do.
I love using watercolour because it’s full of light.
I like to play off sharp ‘dry’ edges against blurred watery forms – it builds a kind of ‘musical’ tension and release.
Layers of lines and colours also create a musical rhythm and movement. I like how soft blurred forms recede and sharp, bright lines advance. I like to play with these spatial elements in my work.
Exhibitions and Commissions
2000- 2012 – Part of the Monument Group on the Blackdown Hills in the South West, we had many successful group exhibitions, both regionally and in London.
2014 – present - Four ‘sell out’ solo exhibitions locally.
I have completed regular commissions for fish paintings and house paintings for the last 20 years.
Currently taking commissions for 2024. Please email me and we can explore ideas.