In this picture 'Below the Surface' I wanted to think about the 'hot' political topic of drilling for oil in the polar regions. The idea of drilling in the pristine arctic wastes filled me with horror and and I wanted to make a picture that would focus on that. I decided to use words as part of the composition. I used words that were in documentation about how the drilling would be done. 
The dark border and the tinges of red alluded to my fear for our Mother Earth.
The picture has stimulated a great deal of discussion amongst viewers about the work itself and the issues it covers.
I have been asked about the whole thing of writing on art work. People are strongly divided 'for' or 'against' doing it. I do it when I feel it is a necessary part of the expression of the idea. Another contemporary artist who often uses this devise is Kurt Jackson (eg See 'Sennen 19.9.98 3p.m. surfers rushing into the sea.......')

 Here is one of the painting I made earlier in this year. It was painted after I had been studying Matisse's cut outs -  which were done later in his life. I have hung it in quite a small space so it can be seen on the way up and down the stairs. 
It's called 'Stellar Rising'
​ You can see details about it on my galleries page under 'new palette'.
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This picture was painted as a response to a life long love of the little valley that ends up in Lamorna, in West Penwith. I spent many hours there as a child. The harbour is simple, yet very beautiful, and the water so clear. This picture is full of light and clarity... like the place itself.

I thought it would be good to share some images where the art work is hung in a home (in this case). I am thinking of a series of blogs on this theme.
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This piece is for sale - see my galleries page. I think it would suit a contemporary home or an 'open' office space.

PS There is a lovely song, sung often by folk singer Brenda Wootton... 'Way Down to Lamorna'. She reckoned her songs were  her friends... I feel like that about my pictures. 

The colours in this painting were inspired by the colours of the Devon Cliffs. When I swim from Budleigh Steamer Steps, I can swim along parallel with the water's edge and look up at the amazing Old Devonian Sandstone cliffs.  I started off  this painting working quite pale, but as I began to focus in on what I wanted the outcome to be I started to mix up warmer colours. I introduced blues and greens to help to keep the compositional balance right. 
I think that much of the composition consists of curves and part circles because I am so aware of the morning sun and also the movement of the ocean.

N B When this work is framed I will probably turn in the edges and then mount the whole thing on a white back board and frame.