My ‘lockdown’ work  has marked a move towards landscape once again. I suppose I was craving distance – the far, far away. I also wanted a less defined, more ambiguous image that I could roam around in.

I think, I hope, that I am moving closer to merging the two sides of my work – abstract and landscape. I know they come from the same place, but it an ongoing process of reconcilliation.

Summer Landscape 2020 oil on canvas 92 x 122cms *

Landscape 6 2020 oil on canvas 60 x 76 cms

Landscape 5 2020 oil on canvas 60 x 76 cms

Landscape 4 2020 oil on linen 50 x 50 cms

Landscape 3 2020 oil on linen 50 x 50 cms

Landscape 2 2020 oil on canvas 86 x 86 cms

Landscape 1 2020 oil on canvas 86 x 86 cms

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

Here you can find images of my work and something about the inspiration and ideas behind the paintings. You can also contact me if you want more information. Please note that all works marked with an asterisk * have been sold.

*Wilderness 2018 oil on canvas 86 x 86 cms

*For Catherine 2018 oil on canvas 86 x 86 cms