July 2014

The miniature watercolour series in this year’s collection of work enabled me to portray St Benet’s Abbey in all its light and in all the seasons. It doesn’t matter which view you choose, its always an impressive outcome.

I love foxes, and I envy their freedom, I particularly enjoyed capturing this on paper, as a simple insight into the day in the life of a Broadland fox.

Its nice to be able to offer a scene on a small scale, I think small paintings can be as atmospheric as larger paintings, painting sunset shades in watercolour is as much fun as in pastel, creating a different tonal value completely.

I particularly enjoyed painting this scene, its a real treat when the light bounces off a subject in the distance and creates a focal point for a split second before it disappears.

I enjoyed adding detail to the foreground and emphasising the dark water beneath the reed bed on the left, the dark tones really help to ground you into the bank and you are held there, looking out towards the dimly lit distance.

The monochrome shades of the Broads at early morning offer a simple and effective palette, helping to capture the serenity of the moment.

Having the freedom to wake up in the morning and choosing a location to go and absorb is great, and I appreciate how fortunate I am, Blakeney offers a painting on a plate each and every time, whatever the time of day…

I wasn’t sure if a portrait orientation would work with this painting, but I really like the elongated light being reflected down through the water, I like its busy presentation, despite it being fairly monotone.

Capturing a couple of horses grazing in the Devonshire countryside as we drove past was a real treat. The spring green shades add a freshness to my usual muted palette.