I paint both large canvases and small works on paper using a variety of paints and wood dyes.
Always referring to the human form, my paintings reach beyond the boundaries of literal art. Spontaneous splashes of paint and earthy hues throw celestial light across a fusion of the figure and landscape.
I aim to produce thoughtful mood – provoking work that always has a powerful, physical form, overlaid with a strong spiritual overtone.
Method of working
My method of working varies, but I generally like to work on several canvasses at any one time on the studio floor. Some of my paintings are the result of a carefully planned idea, whilst others are more experimental.
The background is nearly always worked on first by pouring diluted oil paint and wood dye over the canvas. I then watch as it merges and separates. This is the fun part of the painting as I can play around with the medium and see what is formed naturally. Going with the flow I work quickly and instinctively, hovering between control and spontaneity.
Brushes, rollers, rags and wire mesh are just some of the tools I use to create interesting effects on the surface of my paintings. I have also been experimenting with the reflective properties of gold leaf/metallic paint.
Once I am happy with the finished background, I place the canvas on the easel to work carefully on the figure/figures. This can be done in 2 ways. I either highlight the form of a figure by using white spirit to rub away some of the background colour, or I simply use oils to paint in the figure.
In my most recent work I have been using symbols and sacred geometry to add a more spiritual dimension to each painting. These are created using a large compass and metallic oil-based pens.