Statement
I live by Dartmoor in Devon, having moved from London with my family.
The subjects for my pictures stem from what I see around me: Trees, flowers, hedges, wind in the trees, sheds, puddles, rain... These are memorised or quickly drawn then interpreted in the studio with colour until they become familiar and the composition is clear. Then they are used as a source for larger work.
During the studio process the works become more personal, sometimes a narrative or private meanings emerge.
I am very influenced by the materials I use and good quality colour and surfaces are really important. The feel and quality of the paint is really enjoyed when I apply it.
Sometimes pictures are a real struggle and need to be put away for a year then I might know immediately what to do with them. Some grow very slowly so I work on several at once in rotation.
A major influence was my tutor at the Royal Academy Schools: Norman Adams, whose work had such spiritual power. Also another tutor, Timothy Hyman who guided me to look at particular painters for help such as the early Sienese painters and Pierre Bonnard.
"a gifted and thoughtful artist..... A moment experienced of place will be transformed over months to a strongly formal image...In her best work, an initial "prettiness" turns out to be deeply felt, poignant".
Timothy Hyman, tutor at RA schools
Biography
EDUCATION
1999
Goldsmiths, Art therapy foundation
1995-8
Royal Academy Schools, PG Diploma painting
1992-5
Wimbledon School of Art, BA (Hons) Fine Art
1991-2
John Cass School, Art Foundation course
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2017 Contemporary Watercolour, Bankside Gallery
2016 The Bowie Gallery, Totnes
2016 Contemporary Watercolour exhibition
2014 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
2015 Rowley Gallery, London (ongoing)
2011 Coombe Gallery, Dartmouth
2008 Somerville Gallery, Plymouth
2006 Whitespace Gallery, Totnes
2001 Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries
2001 NEAC, Mall Galleries
1997 Cromwell Hospital, (solo)
1997 Royal Academy Summer exhibition
1996 Royal Academy Summer exhibition
TEACHING
2008-present Art tutor, Learn Devon, Devon County Council
2014-present, Art tutor, Harbour House, Kingsbridge
RESIDENCIES
1998-9 London Business School, year's residency
AWARDS
1998
Cyril Sweett Award for Outstanding Post-graduate show, Worshipful Co. Painter Stainers
1997
M&G prize for an artist under 35, Royal Academy Summer exhibition
Silver medal for painting, Royal Academy Schools
Creswick prize for landscape painting, Royal Academy Schools
COLLECTIONS
Chevron UK, London Business School, Laura Ashley Foundation, M & G group, Northwick Park Hospital, Private collections
