My painting journey

Putting in the hours.

Hello and welcome to my Monday Blog.

Weathering   Oils on canvas  36 x 24 inches  

An 'abstract landscape' from my recent show in Sam Scorer Gallery, Lincoln.

The journey...

It is now 20 years since I picked up my brushes and watercolours.

My first paintings were simple landscapes using sketches

 and some photographic reference to guide me.

I studied the work of many artists, read art books and kept painting.

 The drive to soak up as much knowledge as possible was strong.

Little by little my work was taking shape.

Influences...

The work of Edward Seago in particular was important for my early

 landscape practice.  I was enthralled by his economy of brush strokes

 which say so much about the coast and countryside of his native Norfolk.   

His landscape paintings never look overworked...

There is a simplicity in his style which may appear easy

 but can be difficult to master.

       

Three of Edward Seago's paintings. 

(Edward Brian Seago RBA, ARWS, RWS 1910 to 1974) 

Seago's seascape paintings reminded me of my childhood holidays

 exploring the sand-dunes, wide beaches and creeks of the Lincolnshire coast.

His landscapes with hedgerows and field tracks are similar to the land around my home.

My own seascapes...

inspired by Edward Seago and the Lincolnshire coast.

'January'  Oils on panel 

Our Coast   Oils on canvas board  

Going beyond reality...

On my painting journey I have experimented with many

different 'styles' as I searched for what felt comfortable.

 I became interested in going beyond total realism and 

taught myself to 'see' the landscape in an abstracted way.

My focus was on shapes and colours; cutting out excessive detail.

As a result my work became loose and more 'painterly'. 

Here is a recent painting using oils and cold wax.

Next week I will talk about my adventures with this medium.

Summer  Oils and cold wax on canvas   80 x 40cm

Until next Monday...

Thank you for visiting.