My philosophy & style

I abbhor limitations. I love the freedom of creating.

Why spoil that by restricting yourself to a particular style? Even the well known Impressionists continually tried to improve and build on their technique.

I create what inspires me. With a photographers eye I can readily observe interesting compositions and subject matter. With my artists eye I can see how that will then translate into a piece of artwork. For those reasons I need to have the freedom to create what I see in my mind's eye.

I have a technical background. I study paint datasheets to see what pigments have been used, and study things like ATSM lightfastness ratings. I demand to know about the technical details of the paper I paint or draw on. I am upset by the poor quality of many art reproductions, where the artist hasn't taken time to understand how important it is to match the ink with paper. I admire those who have taken time to master this craft.

When I create, I want my works to last. I want to use pigments and media which last. I want my reproductions (which are a reflection of my work) not to fade after several months and to accurately reproduce the colours of the original.

To me art is more than just being a painter. It is about being an artisan, a craftsman. It means intimately understanding the nature of the materials you use, as much as being able to apply them. It is the whole process, as was practiced by the great artists of old.