Evening, the Somerset Levels Drawing

My work is largely inspired by the natural world. The rugged Cornish coastline to the relative serenity of the Somerset Levels provides a wealth of artistic opportunities, possessing all elements necessary for creative interpretation and expression. Working alla prima, I paint in the main features of a landscape, recording basic shape, tone and light then develop the rest intuitively. I do lots of quick sketches from the same place using a variety of different mediums and then work in the studio on a larger scale using both sketches and reference photographs. Studio pieces are done mainly on canvas, wood panel or Aluminium depending on the overall feel I want to achieve, whilst the majority of initial sketches are done on oil paper. Each work aims to evoke a sense of place, whilst allowing plenty of room for personal interpretation. The works of Constable, Turner, Monet and Seago are a constant and important influence for me. Their respective sketches from nature, studies of the natural world, light and reflection led them to create works full of depth and atmosphere. Oil paint has always fascinated me. No matter how technically capable, there is always an element of the unexpected when working with them. When combined with different mediums their ability to morph into glossy, translucent fluids or to thick, impasto is unrivalled. This, coupled with the ability to manipulate the paint, wiping it away to reveal tones beneath, record strong brush marks or scratch in to the paint layer enhancing depth and detail results in the medium that I feel, is best able to capture the true essence of landscape.” "Hannah is an intuitive and natural artist who is self taught, and now mentored by many accomplished and admiring artists. Her work here at the gallery, has been admired and sought after." - Laurie Maclaren