Black Lab - Original photograph by Keith Leman
My work comes from my need to learn and grow. Each work is a challenge I set myself, whether honing observation skills, tackling colour mixing or interpreting a mood. I predominately work in a figurative style across acrylic, pencil, pen and print. When I paint there is a process where the image evolves and suddenly appears like a photograph coming into focus. Each time is a struggle followed by an “ah ha” moment which is addictive.
Painting - In my current project I have used acrylic on 6”x6” Ampersand boards.
I have chosen to work on a small scale as this sets a time constraint which makes me work faster and gives me the luxury to start a new painting each week. I also use a limited palette which helps me to focus and forces’ me to really learn about colour mixing.
I am inspired by many things that make me want to grab my paint brush as a result I like to work in collections.
Dogs – These canine portraits have become an ongoing collection. They are as interesting to me as human portraits. I like to capture a feel of the character of a dog in a painterly style.
Landscapes – I am inspired by the images taken by my friends and family on Instagram. Documenting lifestyles, moods and creating striking compositions in this restricted funny little square format. With filters and editing these images evoke old Polaroids whilst providing a very current view of life.
Still Life – For still life works I like to take photographs when visiting car boot sales and salvage shows. It might be the lay out of objects or the colour palette that takes my interest.
Etching - In addition to painting I also produce prints using the etching process to create single colour prints, some with tissue paper colour pops. Again my subject matter derives from the social media images on Instagram, which I reinterpret in an illustrative style. I love drawing and mark making and etching suits this as I can create detail and sketchy lines. I love the immediacy of turning the roller and suddenly there is this image . . . pure magic.
Painting - In my current project I have used acrylic on 6”x6” Ampersand boards.
I have chosen to work on a small scale as this sets a time constraint which makes me work faster and gives me the luxury to start a new painting each week. I also use a limited palette which helps me to focus and forces’ me to really learn about colour mixing.
I am inspired by many things that make me want to grab my paint brush as a result I like to work in collections.
Dogs – These canine portraits have become an ongoing collection. They are as interesting to me as human portraits. I like to capture a feel of the character of a dog in a painterly style.
Landscapes – I am inspired by the images taken by my friends and family on Instagram. Documenting lifestyles, moods and creating striking compositions in this restricted funny little square format. With filters and editing these images evoke old Polaroids whilst providing a very current view of life.
Still Life – For still life works I like to take photographs when visiting car boot sales and salvage shows. It might be the lay out of objects or the colour palette that takes my interest.
Etching - In addition to painting I also produce prints using the etching process to create single colour prints, some with tissue paper colour pops. Again my subject matter derives from the social media images on Instagram, which I reinterpret in an illustrative style. I love drawing and mark making and etching suits this as I can create detail and sketchy lines. I love the immediacy of turning the roller and suddenly there is this image . . . pure magic.
