About me
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I have always been compelled to paint, draw and sketch and knew from a young age I wanted to become an artist. I studied at the Art College in Belfast and then completed a Landscape Design degree in Manchester. A 22 year career as an Art teacher followed, however my desire to paint and create my own art became so strong that I decided to leave teaching in 2022 and now paint full-time indulging in my passion on a daily basis.
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Through my art I combine my love of painting with my love of the outdoors. Living in N0rthern Ireland there is a wealth of inspiration from woodland walks and forest trails to exposed coastal beaches and cliff tops. Inspired by daylight filtering through the canopies of trees, the ethereal air of a misty day or the sun breaking over the horizon I aim to express the transiency of nature on canvas. By observing the everchanging qualities of light, weather and the seasons - I hope to capture the essence of the landscape through layers of softened details and blurred edges which for me represents imperfect memories and misremembered experiences. I hope to create a quiet moment and compel the viewer to linger and connect with my atmospheric and emotive landscapes.
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About the Process
My process begins whilst out walking, observing the world around me, absorbing the atmosphere and noticing how the ephemeral nature of light changes the mood and energy of a place. Back in the studio I work from sketches, photographs and memory to create an initial image. Through the process of applying multiple translucent layers of oil paint this image inevitably changes as I apply and remove and build up the layers of paint. I use glazes to increase the depth and intensity of colours which further enhances the luminosity of the painting revealing a dreamy memory of place.
Through my painting I hope to capture a fleeting moment in the day on canvas and offer a moment of contemplation, reflection and appreciation of the natural world.
