Artist's Statement
2 March 2024 - V4.6
An artist's statement, like their art practice, is always a work‑in‑progress. These are my latest thoughts on my art
Brief summary
Mediums: Original prints (esp., linocuts), oil paintings, and recently, digital painting.
Subjects: Outdoor – the English landscape (coast and countryside, both farmland and wilderness); occasional city scenes.
Where I work: En plein-air (I sketch and paint outdoors), and in my studio.
Based in: Yorkshire, UK.
Experimental aspects: medium, degrees of realism
Themes (Recently distilled): Observed Places, Breathing Spaces, Lyrical Landscapes*, and Epics.
(These themes / collections are not yet presented here, though much of the art on this website currently falls into the first two) * Provisional title may change
An evolving art practice
I've been working through a phase of studies of a casual series of interests. All landscape art of course, and still manifesting in two mediums: linocut and oils.
I began methodically using digital painting during 2022-3, initially for developing ideas. These often resolved into 'finished art' and the medium is now firmly established in my collections.
During the beginning of 2024 I've been examining my fascinations, via a series of questions, seeking evidence of direction.
What have I been drawn to, or returned to? Are there connections or themes I've not been aware of, but instinctively explored? These questions have been insightful.
It's become clear the time for collecting and haphazardly exploring is over. Four themes that excite me (listed under overview) have emerged.
My art practice has evolved through three phases – the fourth is now beginning.
My creative growth is getting really interesting, and I'm excited. Of course I say that at every new phase in my artistic evolution!