The stories behind the pictures
Fitties Beach
In February 2019 we visited Fitties Beach for the first time. We were about to make an offer on a house and, faced with the lifechanging decision of whether to sell up and move to Grimsby, we sought out the solitude of this natural coastline as a place to do some serious thinking. Perhaps it was the song of the curlews or the call of the oyster catchers that confirmed this was the right place and the right time for us to accept the challenge. We have never looked back and now regularly make the short journey down to see the sea and feel the wind on our faces.
The original watercolour
(30cm x 41 cm)
available for sale (POA)
Calm Waters
In May 2024 we visited the Isle of Skye
“Still Waters” was inspired
by an early morning escape to sit
by the shore at Camas Croise with only the birds
for company.
The original watercolour
(30cm x 41 cm)
available for sale (POA)
Anchored
“Anchored” was inspired
by the discovery of the beautiful
cove at Camas Daraich on the
Isle of Skye. Well worth the two
hour walk - even for the little ones.
The original watercolour
(30cm x 41 cm)
is available for sale (POA)
Raaaffeee!
Just imagine a deserted beach in the North of Scotland. There are a million little shore birds skipping along the waves. Tantalising if you are a Springer Spaniel. Add to that, a strong wind that whips your words away. There is nothing to do except enjoy the moment and smile. No point in shouting - he can't hear his name being called anyway and he will come back when he's ready.
The original acrylic on canvas
(23 x 30 cm)
is not for sale but prints are available.
Sterna Paradisaea
This is one of my favourite paintings inspired by my love of the British coastline. Watching these fearless Arctic Terns hover above the boiling sea then dive below the waves to fish was amazing. I discovered that they are called Sterna Paradisaea and the idea for a poem took root. It's in honour of all those who face their fears and dive into deep dark places every day just because that is what life demands of them.
Watercolour with Acrylic Pen
(11 x 15 cm)
Prints are available
Necessary
I received some A3 watercolour paper for Christmas 2022, so I began to experiment more with tubes of watercolour. I chose just three colours: Indigo, Yellow Ochre and Mauve. Working with some new techniques I loved how the colours mixed themselves on the paper.
The structure of the painting was based on the idea of filling my diary first with the large necessary tasks, then with smaller important things and finally filling the spaces with tiny splashes of fun.
The original is framed and hangs in my studio as reminder to be intentional about balancing work and life.
Unlimited
Sometimes I start painting one idea and the process takes over and something else is created. In August 2021 this large canvas demanded a new technique and was the most abstract piece I had created.
As I worked with the acrylic paints and a metal ruler I found the illusion of searching for the horizon became a realisation that no-one should be limited in what they can try and what they can achieve.
Acrylic on canvas
(100 x 50 cm)
The original is available for sale
(POA)
Hope
Back in 2017 I was in the North of Scotland with family and some friends who were refugees. We saw a magical moon rise over the bay at Hopeman and I was able to capture it on video. I always wanted to paint it but it wasn't until August 2021 that I had developed enough confidence to give it a go. The process was quite inspiring as I found myself imagining the people all over the world who would look up and see that same moon and have their own fears and hopes. As a result I wrote a poem to go with the painting, expressing some of my imaginings.
The original canvas (78 x 61 cm) is available for sale (POA)