Charmouth Beach with Indigo Sky

I am a contemporary fine artist and art tutor based in West Dorset. My paintings are inspired by the rural landscape I live in as well as the human figure. I paint in watercolour, oils and acrylic. I teach a weekly art class in Lyme Regis as well as tutoring painting courses at the Dorset Centre for the Creative Arts in Poundbury. I have recentlyexhibited in 'The Art of Caring' at St Pancras Hospital, London.

I studied Art Foundation at Cheltenham Art College where I was awarded distinction in drawing. I then studied Fine Art B.A (Hons) 1996 - 1999 at the Nottingham Trent University. During my degree I went on exchange to the Academy of Art, Den Haag, Holland where I took part in a group exhibition at the Academy.

Following my degree I trained as a Teacher of Art and Design at Birmingham University of Central England and spent 6 years teaching art, drama and expressive arts in secondary schools.

Wanting to spend more time on my own art practise I began running dult art classes in 2005, alongside working in my studio. I was the artist in Residence at St Michael's Tower, Gloucester 2010 - 2013 where I ran art workshops and curated annual art exhibitions. Irelocated to West Dorset 3 years ago and was instantly inspired by the beautiful rural landscape which I have been painting, drawing and photographing ever since.

My paintings are expressive with an ethereal quality as I am fascinated by the clues of past human presence in nature and the energy that resonates within the environment. I draw en plein air before an important stage of contemplating my ideas consciously and subconsciously. I then select various aspects from my prep work to use in my paintings, working from this material as well as from memory and imagination.

I have exhibited in group exhibitions in the U.K and have accepted many private commissions.

I visit Charmouth beach frequently and have created many paintings of this unspoilt part of the Jurassic coastline. I created 'Charmouth Beach with Indigo Sky' from studies made at the beach, observing the landscape as I worked. I used the watercolours in a fairly loose way to begin with and allowed them to suggest features within the skyline. I then built upon these suggestions and the dramatic cloudy sky began to be the main subject of the piece. The palette I used is typical of my style with many blues, purples and yellows. I also like to create drama and strong colour with watercolour, pushing the medium to see what can be created.

Watercolour on Paper

42x32.5cm

Framed Under Glass