No More Pigeons Painting

After studying Chinese painting in the Far East I have continued to develop my painting techniques, exploring the versatility of Chinese techniques and materials - using them in adventurous ways and, occasionally, combining them with other media.

I have exhibited in one-woman and group shows. I run classes and workshops on Chinese Brush Painting in Britain and abroad. My books and articles have played a major role in popularising Chinese painting techniques in Europe and the USA. I am Honorary Co-President of the Chinese Brush Painters Society.

My work is inspired by the Chinese ideal of conveying spirituality and fundamental realities in visual form. However it is also informed by my Western, more practical, soul. I create work that melds Eastern and Western techniques and aesthetics, aiming to exploit the versatility of Chinese techniques and materials by using them in more adventurous ways, occasionally combining them with gouache and acrylic and incorporating mono-printing techniques. I draw on Eastern and Western ideas about light, space and perspective and have developed an art form which combines both aesthetic traditions. I am always conscious of the need to go beyond visual reality to convey the true essence of my subjects.

In my work I try to experiment with the way we see the world around us, which changes constantly as we look. In the course of the journey I have traveled in my painting my work has gone from being muted and monochrome to being vibrant and colourful.