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The two subjects I
paint are my two great passions - wildlife and the sea. I hope
that, because they stir something deep within me, I transfer
that to my work. Whether I am working on wildlife drawings or
pastel seascapes I tend to lose myself in my work; I become
completely absorbed and the time just fly’s by.
I study the animals I
draw in great detail, from books, film, and visits to my local
zoo at Paignton, who do lots of environmental and conservation
work. I know the animals do not behave in the same way as they
do in their natural environment, but it affords me the
opportunity to observe them at close quarters. In a lot of the
enclosures the only thing that separates you from the animals is
a huge sheet of what I am sure is very toughened glass. At such
close range you can feel the power of these magnificent
creatures - who wouldn’t be inspired by this?
The photos I use
have to say something to me, I do seem to be particularly drawn
to that special bond between mother and baby, there is just so
much love there that it is almost tangible. I try to convey that
‘magic’ that initially inspired me and hope to make the drawing
come to life.
I get my love of
the sea from my mother, who always made sure we had a holiday on
the coast every year. I can remember wonderful summer evenings
sitting on the beach, long after everyone else had gone,
watching the ocean and going for a last swim when the sea was
still warm from the heat of the day.
This was the
reason I moved to Devon. I never grow tired of watching the sea;
I love the way it changes with the light, creating different
moods and atmospheres. I particularly like stormy skies and
seas. To stand in a storm force wind that you can lean in to and
watch the waves crashing onto the shore, taste the salt on your
lips is amazing - there is nothing like quite it. I am truly
fortunate to be surrounded by such inspiration. |
