In these recent paintings I am continuing to to explore a more abstract, non-objective way of working using loose grids, mark-making and a limited palette. I have been particularly interested in the glazes used on Japanese tea bowls – the layered translucence and glowing colour. As I move into this new kind of work and away from landscape painting (at least for the moment) I am still using references to earth, sky, water and light as a source of inspiration and information.

When researching tea bowls I came across this definition of wabi-sabi that I find reassuring and encouraging as I make these changes in my work.

“In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.”

Untitled White on Warm Gray 2018 oil on linen 41 x 41cms

Untitled Gray 2018 oil on canvas 41x41cms

Untitled Blue Lights 2018 oil on canvas 51 x 59cms

Untitled Yellow and Indigo 2018 oil on linen    41 x 41 cms

Untitled Gray with Yellow Lights 2018 oil on canvas 86 x 86cms

Untitled Pink on Gray 2018 oil on canvas 86 x 86cms

However, I have not left landscape painting behind entirely. Here is a small one I started last year and finished in October.

Evening 2018 oil on linen 51 x 51cms