A new home…

We recently took the decision to leave rural Essex and move to mid-Wales. We're now located near the Cambrian mountains, thus the stunningly beautiful landscapes of Elan valley, Radnor Forest, and other hills are only within a fifteen minute drive or so. Obviously, the scenery around these parts is immensely inspiring and varied, although that is not to say Essex is without it's coastal wildernesses too and East Anglia will always be close to my heart, but this is only part of the reason we chose to move. My wife and I have always yearned to walk over moor and mountain as we did in the days before we started a family. Now, with my children at school, we have the time to reach and explore the terrain, plus there are walks and climbs that we can enjoy as a family too. I'm not sure how this new landscape will affect my work, but I am feeling inspired. Exciting times lay ahead.

The 57th Essex Open Exhibition

I'm very happy to have two of my paintings selected for The 57th Essex Open Exhibition [http://essexopen.southendmuseums.org.uk/]. The exhibition is currently running and ends the 4th of February 2017 at the Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue,  Southend-on-Sea.

Blackwater high tide/acrylic

Warm autumn

Slowly…

although it's not really the case. I've been busy with a set of commissions which will be installed into a newly refurbished Manor House. However, I've managed to produce a couple of pieces (one of which is below) from sketches I made from locations in North Essex, near to the border with Suffolk – a seriously pretty, although often ignored, part of the country – so all is well.

August heat

Flatland fascination

 Low clouds over Twizzlefoot/acrylic on canvas board

Distant red

Red is an odd choice to represent distance. 'Aerial perspective' lightens and casts a blue shade on far-away objects. However, like the use of warm colours in shadow areas instead of cool ones, reds, oranges and purples attract attention and draw your eye in, thus making the observer look towards the horizon.

Twilight over red marsh

Burnham Art Trail

Hi.

I'm proud to be part of this year's Burnham Art Trail [www.burnhamarttrail.co.uk]. This year is particularly special as it's the first year where my new studio [https://goo.gl/maps/xxHVUp8GTow] will be a venue for the trail. The studio will be open throughout the trail (25th of June to 3rd of July) between the hours of 11am to 5pm (special arrangements can be made if you contact me). Also the Station House has another artist in residence, plus it is also a venue for two other artists' work.

I hope to see you there!

June sky
[https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/400756745/original-abstract-minimalist-skyscape]

Stasis…

Happy new year. Apologies for not posting much last year. This year will be different… eventually.

Over the fields to the distant sea
Acrylic on canvas

Sea mist
Acrylic on canvas