Hokusai Ochre 1 Painting

My paintings are inspired by waves, their power and unpredictability. They are also influenced by the nineteenth Century Japanese woodblock artists. They are part of a shift in a more abstract direction from my more figurative seascape paintings. I am interested in creating the feeling of calm energy evoked by the sea. I paint on vintage book pages which are found in old book shops and collaged onto canvas. The foxing and patina of the old paper gives warmth and interest to the painting, just like the old woodblock prints. The painting process itself is quite daunting as there is only one chance to get it right. If I’m not happy with it, I have to strip the paper off and start again, a laborious process. I paint in quick bursts with oil and ink using unconventional painting tools. The simplicity and the boldness of the marks owe much to chance, or the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection. I am a resident artist at the Base arts centre near Newbury in Berkshire, where I have my studio.