I have been an enthusiastic gardener for as long as I can remember, tending to both small and mediumsize patches of land with care, affection and admiration for nature. It is no surprise, therefore, that the delights of the garden are a constant source of inspiration in my artwork. I relish the profusion of shapes, forms and colours represented in the garden along with the variety brought about by the changing seasons. A particular fascination is to capture the light effects and atmosphere surrounding the many forms and structures within the greenery.
To capture these transient light effects, I incorporate two specific painting techniques. I use soft, atmospheric, hazy techniques where the forms are suggested for an impressionistic effect, downplaying the details and forms, and contrast this with well observed and detailed painting in specific areas of the artwork. I enjoy the contrast between these bold defined shapes playing against indistinct backgrounds.
Subtle light effects emphasise these wonderful contrasts, such as low morning light cutting through the borders. As the light dissipates through the mist the soft haze highlights and acts as a foil to the strong linear shapes of the stems and bold forms of the flower heads. These are both accentuated as the side lighting casts deep shadows. I am also fascinated with the consequences of sunlight after rain, which creates
