After teaching in Oxford for 24 years and spending three years in Shenzhen, China, I've made the decision to fully dedicate myself to painting. Despite being labelled as a 'semi-abstract painter,' my work is rooted in direct observation, particularly of my surrounding environment, which serves as my constant muse and companion. My goal is to capture the essence of a place rather than meticulously replicate it. I explore landscapes, distilling them down to their essential elements, aiming to evoke a sense of the location rather than reproduce every detail. My process begins with plein air drawing, capturing intricate details and taking informative photos for reference. I then transition to my studio, where I simultaneously work on multiple paintings, predominantly on A3 watercolour paper, although I'm now exploring larger canvases. My paintings evolve with the seasons, weather, and time of day, reflecting the dynamic nature of the environment. Utilizing acrylics, pens, and ink, I embrace the fast-drying qualities of these mediums, though I remain adaptable, adjusting my approach based on the conditions and atmosphere I encounter.