people
I have mild face blindness, prosopagnosia, so I have a habit of examining people quite closely, which is probably a little disconcerting! Perhaps that is why I am fascinated with the idea of showing emotions through silhouettes. Implying emotions or feelings without seeing facial expressions. My artwork invites questions and theories. It asks you for a story of which there is no ‘correct’ answer. It is up to you.
I have also painted portraits as private commissions, and I find I paint faces as I would a landscape but with the added facet of capturing the essence and character of the subject, which is challenging, but immensely rewarding.
You may notice there is a special tree that features in many of my paintings. It is a ‘muse’ which inspires me with its sharp and beautiful outline. It rests, dormant, spreading its branches, touching the air, reaching for the sky. Has it had its day, or will it flourish again? Whatever, it lives on in my artwork.
'Into the Tunnel' It is a damp, misty, dark night. Two people meet. Friends? Foes? Strangers? 30 cm x 30 cm
'Working at Sunset' Sometimes the best office is outside in nature. Hopefully they will soon fold the laptop, tasks completed, and drink in the wonder and beauty of the setting sun. 20 cm x 40 cm
'Running' Three people are running, fast. To? Away? It seems to be early morning, the mist still rising. I wished to create movement, a sense of urgency. Did I succeed? 40 cm x 50 cm
'Kiss in the City' Inspired by coming across a tryst in Seoul, South Korea. Two lovers perhaps. New love? Or a sweet parting? 40 cm x 30 cm
'Moon Rising' I am fascinated with the folklore of the moon. I love the idea she sinks into the sea as she wanes and then the fish and sea creatures restore her to the sky as she waxes. 21 cm x 30 cm
'Out of the Mist' Two figures approach through the swirling mists. Who are they? Something is coming which may soon illuminate the scene. Is it earthly or from the heavens? 40 cm x 40 cm
'The Full Moon' How many times are we so engrossed in our devices that we miss the beauty around us? The cats are not so easily distracted! 40 cm x 30 cm
'Tide Out at Sunset' Kicking a puddle. The sun is retreating, much like the tide. A time for contemplation. Sadness? Or simply passing the time? 21 cm x 30 cm
'Walk in the Moonlight' A couple deep in conversation, or about to part? A clear night. A passing meteor, a harbinger of change? An unforgettable night, or a night to forget? 20 cm x 40 cm
'Puerto Vallarta Sunset' The sun in Puerto Vallarta retreats in a fiery battle with clouds and sky. The sea is burnished. Two people. Are they avoiding each other, or simply have no interest? 30 cm x 30 cm
'Catch the Moon' Two children play ball with the moon. What is just below the horizon? 30 cm x 30 cm
'Love in the Rain 1' A couple sharing a private loving moment whilst sheltering from the elements. Rainstorms, prejudices, nothing matters or intrudes on their true love. 21 cm x 30 cm
'Love in the Rain 2' The rainstorm just finished. The rainbow has descended from the skies to shelter them as their umbrella. This couple are enjoying their special cosy moment together. 21 cm x 30 cm
'A New Dawn' Four people gather. Friends or strangers drawn by a vista which seems at once tumultuous and yet calm. Just a new day dawning, or something more? 70 cm x 70 cm
'The Watcher in the Woods' A spring walk along a path meandering through the trees. But ahead, someone is standing. Waiting? Lurking? Or just seeking some solitary contemplation? Would you carry on or turn around? 60 cm x 90 cm
'Waiting' Two people are watching the setting sun. Is the cloud base on the horizon heading their way or retreating into unseen worlds below the horizon? Are they happy or apprehensive? 40 cm x 30 cm
'Midnight Walk on the Beach' Sometimes we just need to be alone. The beach shows its different personality in the dark. Without the distraction of the visible, the sounds of the sea are intensified, soothing and harmonious. To where do you retreat for contemplation and solace? 20 cm x 20 cm
'Sunset Thoughts' I wonder what has happened? Do they know each other? Or have simply found the same place to rest and think? Are they tired, or just exhausted? 15 cm x 30 cm