Artist Statement
The inspiration for most of my work is the landscape of the UK and Andalucia in southern Spain, although my finished paintings are not necessarily exact representations of any single place at any one time. My work is far more about the essence of the landscape that I see, my impression of the memories evoked by a particular location: atmosphere, colours and textures, light, weather conditions etc. I work on both heavy weight watercolour paper and canvas, often also covering canvas with paper, The vibrancy of acrylic paints and inks are mainly what give my work it's colour but I also add soft and oil pastels, indian ink etc, and various materials to add texture. I love it when a spontaneous glide of paint or the serendipitous effect of colours over added textures enhances my interpretation of the landscape.
El duende is a Spanish term for the spirit of evocation. It comes from inside as a physical/emotional response to art. It's what gives you chills, what makes you feel as you respond to a performance or work of art. A more loose translation means having soul, a heightened state of emotion and authenticity. This is what I seek to incorporate in my paintings.
