Gift from Ra 17 Print

I love ideas. I think it was Delacroix who said something like art should be pleasing to the eye, and if it had an idea that would be a bonus. While I subscribe wholeheartedly to what dear old Eugéne said, I do usually get an idea first, one that won't leave me alone until I work it out as a picture. Usually an idea takes hold of me in a 'what if' kind of way – and then I find a way of showing it so the idea sort of creeps up on you. Don't get me wrong, like Delacroix I look to create an exciting looking piece, but it's the sudden realisation of a meaning behind each painting that I look for. I am a big fan of abstract expressionism (or 'AbEx' as I've heard it called…yo!). And usually in all of its manifestations, from the usual suspects like Pollack and Kline to the more obscure but no less exciting artists of the Cobra movement (Karel Appel, you rock!). While not 'action' painting (more 'inaction' really) I'm drawing on my phone – commuters, airport lounges, living rooms or anywhere else where I have 5 minutes to spare.