I have a particular interest in traditional oil-painting techniques used in a contemporary way. I’m not interested in producing photo-realistic paintings, but greatly admire the arists from all centuries, who used sleight-of-hand and bravura brushwork to hint at reality.
Most fine art students today are not taught traditional techniques. There is also a common misconception that oil paints are smelly, take ages to dry, and are difficult to work with. None of this is necessarily true, although, if you are not shown what to do, it is unlikely that you will discover the answers by accident. I have therefore sought to understand how the Great Masters of the past worked, because they open a world of possibilities for us today.
Finding new inspiration
A significant birthday coincided with the first Covid lockdown in the UK.
I found myself with plenty of time, but no real inclination to paint. I realised that I needed to find a new direction or subject, something different that I would enjoy painting, and that would remind me of happier times. I have always
