I am an architect, who worked at the University of Warwick for five years, and ended my time there as the University's inhouse Architect. I found this experience both fantastic and a privilege, but my role became much more as a project manager, and I started to miss the continual creative expression that comes with good design. I made the difficult decision to leave the University, and I have, for now, returned to what I am motivated by and also enjoy which is painting.

I predominantly paint in oils - albeit water-soluble oils - as I prefer the minimal toxicity and the freedom to paint both with thicker brushstrokes while tempered with more loosely covered paint surfaces, but using rich, authentic looking colours, which oils achieves so well. This is what gives me the most joy, as well as of course achieving a good colour balance!

In most of my paintings, I am keen to create an atmosphere of mystery, through the use of light, space and depth, and to allow the viewer to query what stories and narratives might lie within the fabric of the building and its ornaments. I prefer there to be no people in most of my paintings, as I feel the canvases can become too busy otherwise, and this also takes away from the viewers questions that might be provoked from the scene. This comes out especially in the interiors I paint, but also sometimes in the exteriors of buildings, where there might be a visual clue of drama beyond its walls.

The subject matter I choose to paint is predominantly a balance between architecture with a high solid to glass ratio, as I find the use of too much glass dehumanising, and corresponding nature. I thoroughly enjoy painting still life pictures and also interiors, especially where I can convey a feeling of light, space and depth.

I am particularly inspired by the impressionists and post-impressionists, especially Monet and Cezanne, and of course the genius of Van Gogh. I am also drawn to a couple of the Dutch masters, like the humanity and brilliance of Rembrandt, and the interiors of Johannes Vermeer, which really appeal to me - especially due to the quality of warmth and light that he evoked. Chiaroscuro - the play of light and shade that Carravagio excelled in, is a concept that has definitely influenced me. This has been informed by my architectural training to present schemes in contrasting light and shade, to always give designs a 3D effect and create added interest and drama to a scene, which makes the paintings then burst into life.
I have recently come across an artist called Maggie Siner, who is still alive, whose work I am totally spellbound by with her geometric precision yet free, relaxed approach and her wonderful use of authentic looking colours.

For further information about me and my work, please check out my website below.