Contemplation in a Chaotic World Painting

I draw my inspiration from observing my own and other people’s feelings and reactions to life. I learned my process through practice and experience, but every time is different – and moving me towards an unknown and ever changing destination. After prepping the canvas, I generally start sketching with graphite, or sometimes very loose, thinned paint or ashphaltum, to ignite my creative flow and capture my current feelings. Occasionally I will use a quick-drying acrylic wash for an underpaint so I can block in some colour for depth, but not have to wait to really get at the painting using the oils I love. I love the fluidity and texture of oil paints and I mostly work wet on wet, where the surprises can be exciting and liberating. I always paint abstract, but often identifiable elements or figures emerge by chance. I’ve tried painting with acrylic but it is just not the same for me, my process requires the textures and slower time frame of oils. I work and rework a piece many times, adding layer after layer, then scraping back to reveal sections beneath. The process is very like a dance to music, steps forward then back, then forward again. Music is a great inspiration for me and helps me tap into my creative side. I always paint with loud, dramatic music filling my studio and pumping my energy (Queen is a favourite)! Self doubt and self-criticism are constants, though I think that has always been the case with artists great and small. The secret is to know when the work is done before you go too far and destroy the painting’s soul and message.