A Passion for Expressive Art
My artistic journey began with a deep-seated passion for drawing, music, dance and sports. This began early, as a small child. I grew up in an artistic, musical and sports-loving family. My mother was a musician and enjoyed drawing and painting – like her father before her. We drew and painted together. I was excited by the colours in her watercolour box. The way colours come to life when they encounter water still excites me today.
I am fascinated by the fleeting moments and drama of competition, the grace of people moving and the vibrancy of everyday life. These subjects are fast moving, so I found the medium of watercolour gave me a means to capture not only the visual aspects but also convey the emotions and stories behind each moment.
Artistic Process
I begin by immersing myself in the subject, whether it’s a cyclist sprinting to the finish line, the rolling mauls of players in a heated rugby match, or the everyday scenes of rural life.
My process is spontaneous, drawing directly in pen and ink then adding colour with paint or pastel. I work from live action, sketching and painting outside or indoors from TV, news feeds and video. Even sounds and radio commentary play a part in my work, appearing in the titles and surface marks.
Ink and Watercolour
Each piece is made on paper and begins with drawing – the flowing, uncompromising lines of my ink pen. These marks and lines form the backbone to every piece.
Pen and ink with watercolour are intense and risky, quick and responsive. The unpredictability of these media suits the twists, turns and bursts of energy I find in my subjects.
I have an expressive and emotional style which infuses my drawings and paintings with a sense of drama and energy. The result is a collection of paintings that resonate with people, evoking their own memories and emotions.
Selected Exhibitions: Solo / Group
Solo Exhibitions
2022 ‘Cycling’ – The Canon Gallery, Oundle
2018 Racing Lines Le Tour – Cank Street Gallery, Leicester
2015 Racing Lines Le Tour – Alfred East Gallery, Kettering
2015 Racing Lines Le Tour – jGallery, Moulton, Northampton
2012 20 Stages – JGallery, Moulton Northamptonshire
Open & Group Exhibitions
RI Watercolours 209th Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London, 2021
Leicester Open, The People’s Exhibition, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, 2021
‘Little Selves’ Leicester Society of Artists, New Walk Musuem & Art Gallery, 2017
Pastel Society & Society of Women Artists pre selection, 2017
‘Past & Present’, Leicester Sketch Club, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, 2015
‘The Moment of Privacy is Passed’ Usher Gallery, Lincoln, 2010
Feast of Friends, The artists of Barton Hall, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 2007
