About Me

I tend to work in a series of three to four paintings consecutively on a particular subject matter that might be influencing me at the time. My inspiration can vary from my coastal views of Raglan, my vast garden, the interaction of structures on the surrounding landscape, and a visit to the South of England and Cornwall coast.

My intention is to convey an atmosphere of place in a more abstract interpretation using bold colour, which I apply intuitively and with a sense of freedom. Some paintings, however, have subtle references to a certain subject matter, a little bit of story telling in each one, a little bit of my soul in each one.

My preferred medium is acrylic paint for it’s quick drying properties, plus it enables me to use expressive, gestural strokes with brushes and a palette knife. Charcoal and pastel is used to map out a composition in the early stages. I like to explore different techniques such as layering – scratching or scraping back paint to create textural detail and a patina that shows a history of reworked ideas.

I initially work from photographs and sketches, however I am never sure where the process or journey will take me. I will often reach a point in the process when the painting is not working for me. This presents a challenge in which I am determined to resolve.

I studied Fine Arts and Graphic Design in Auckland in the 1970s and in later years completed my Teaching Degree in Hamilton, then I taught Art in various schools throughout Waikato. I have regularly painted as a freelance artist for local and national exhibitions. I have exhibited in the Biennial New Zealand Portrait Exhibition and had a solo exhibition at Soul Gallery, Hamilton.