Evening Surf, Polzeath Painting

I was born in Surrey, UK. I graduated from Central Saint Martin's School of Art in 1992 and have worked as an author and illustrator of children's books ever since, winning several industry awards including the Book Trust's Early Years Award. I spend as much time as I can outdoors walking, cycling and rowing in all weathers. My love for the countryside and beaches of the UK is what inspires my paintings and these have become an increasingly important part of my work in recent years. . Artist's Statement I have always felt very rooted in the British landscape, its history and enormous variety. I spend a great deal of time walking, finding inspiration everywhere. I imagine I can feel all the people who have walked the paths before me and I enjoy the feeling of my own impermanence in our ancient landscape. I love the way light plays with our surroundings; the pools of sunlight on a wooded path, the dazzling sparkle on water or the sun breaking through cloud. I always have a sketchbook and camera with me and paint in oil, on board or canvas. My aim is to evoke the feelings one had when one is out in nature and notices something fleeting and beautiful.