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I rediscovered watercolour about fifteen years ago. Previously, since my teens,
I had painted and sketched in oils. As a medium watercolour can be difficult
and unforgiving but the results are more instant and I love the quality of
the translucent colours.
Apart from Turner, the artists I admire most are the British Landscape artists
from the first half of the twentieth century Nash, Hilder, Spencer and Sutherland.
However, I suspect the main influence in my work (if any) came from the Southern
Railway! Every day on my train journey to and from school I would eagerly study
each of the four paintings of destinations served by S.R. that adorned each
compartment.
I would say that I am an emotional painter rather than an intellectual one.
If I see something that gives me a buzz, I'll try to paint it. Colour, the play
of sun and shadow, reflections in water and English landscape are subjects that
excite me most. Having said that, I do believe that there is a 'painting' wherever
you look - it's just a question of seeing it!
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