My art reflects my lifelong love of open spaces, explored under changing skies, surrounded by the diversity of nature. I know the places I paint intimately and visit them frequently, taking time to observe and marvel at the complexity of nature.
I have built a mental map of specific tress, favourite places and an understanding of the the lie of the land, recording a sense of moving through the landscape.
Memory plays a part too, a free range childhood, love of Ladybird books, Observer books and the school nature table. All these influences bring a sense of nostalgia to my use of colour and choice of subject.
I find solace in nature and in a fast paced world of sometimes chaotic change, the soothing natural pace of rural spaces is increasingly important.
"If art is food for the soul, we can't all be Heston Blumenthal, some people actually like rhubarb crumble and custard." Amanda Swannick