I have been working in batik for nearly 40 years. Batik is a resist technique of painting. I paint a pattern of hot wax onto my paper or fabric using a special spouted tool, and then paint dye over the surface. The design can be pure pattern, or it can be a complete painting built up from 10 or so layers of wax and dyes.
Much of my inspiration comes from beautifully dilapidated buildings like those I search out on my travels, in India in particular, and structures like seaside piers which I find closer to home. The exciting thing about batik for me is that I never have complete control because more often than not the technique takes over and gives my painting that certain something I can’t achieve with paint. It may be the unpredictable spidery lines of the crackling, or the fact that the wax and dye on paper give you a sort of abstract effect – which is perfect for me because I don’t like perfect! I was for many years one of the tutors at the well-known Art in Action, and I still exhibit widely.

I rekindled my love for painting in the early part of the century when I retired. Since then I have been very much involved with the Guild and my painting journey has taken many different paths. I love watercolour and pastels but my favourites now are oils and acrylics. Love doing portraits but I suppose my love of the countryside will never stop me doing landscapes.

I have been painting and tutoring acrylic and mixed media workshops for many years. My work is mainly derived from memory and imagination and I believe the actual process of painting is paramount; there is no attempt to imagine the end result as it can change dramatically as I work. Not knowing what will happen is challenging, taking risks is exciting. Whether it’s a seascape, landscape or still life, colour, texture and layered surfaces are the mainstay of my art. Working freely and spontaneously, I rely on instinct and experience to respond to the painting as it evolves.

I am a retired solicitor based mostly in Caversham, interested in painting landscapes and still life.

Statement: I was born and raised in Africa and have a passionate affinity with untamed vistas whether desert or sea.
I define spaces through colour. Drawing on my emotional and physical reaction to times, places, and events, I combine observation and personal feelings to create artworks that are filled with directness, immediacy, and vibrant energy.

“For me drawing and painting is about the interaction between the discipline of observation and the spontaneity of mark making in terms of my physical and emotional response to the subject”.

Art Education: MA in Printmaking and Professional Practice with the University of Brighton and the London Print Studio 2004-5. Part-time study at Morley College from 2001 to 2002. Private studies with Oliver Bevan from 1988 to 2000 and at the St Ives School of Painting with Roy Ray, Steve Dove and John Clark. Intensive courses at the Verrocchio Centre in Tuscany 1990 and 1996. Part-time studies with Bill Ainsley at the Johannesburg Art Foundation from 1983 -1987. Other: BSc Hons in Psychology.

Recent Exhibitions in 2023 include the AKA Gallery Cambridge, the Ing Discerning Eye, and Rona Painting Gallery. Member of Oxford and Bucks Art Society.