Spent the last month working on this commission of a local man. He and his wife were super pleased with the result! Lovely to meet such great and enthusiastic people.

Had a great time at Bridport Open Studios. Big thanks to Rob Morgan for allowing me space and for helping me to put up the works.

The Exhibition felt really worthwhile. I met some lovely people, including some local artists that I’d never have known otherwise, being the hermit that I am. Pleased to have sold a piece, too.

In recent times, my work has taken a turn that surprises me. I need to explain! While at college it’s fair to say that I shared many of the usual prejudices against what has come to be called abstract art. Or rather, I didn’t get it. Now I have discovered the confidence to explore my own ideas and, to my surprise, I have moved progressively in the direction of abstract expressionism. One meaning of ‘abstract’ is ‘withdrawal’. In other words, a stepping back. Maybe this has something to do with it. I feel as if I have grown up as an artist and that this is what I have to do. After all, I am what I am.

I explore tonal progression in a series of abstract expressionist studies. These works make allusions to natural forms. I hope to achieve an almost geological flow of light and colour. Above all, I want to build a sense of depth and atmosphere. For me, this is every bit as challenging as portrait painting and the results are equally as interesting, but they are more personal.

Untitled (detail) 90 x 116cm

Blue 116 x 90cm

I know that some people won’t like it. I guess it comes down to a question of expectations, what you hope to get from a painting. For me, fidelity to external physical reality is, to be sure, impressive – but there are other factors and I believe these are equally interesting.

I’m delighted to see my work featured on a brilliant new website, Mountridge Art Foundation, a place dedicated to young artists. Take a look. There is some great work to be seen, there.

My new painting, Susanna and the Elders, is taking shape. See work in progress for a comparison with the rough working underlayer.