Sketchbook works

I often take a sketchbook with me when I go exploring to record the lines, shapes and colours I see in the landscape and then refine the sketch back in my studio.

I mostly use pastels, inks and charcoal in my sketchbooks as they are easy to carry. Once I’m back in my studio–a converted space above the garage–I refine my sketches and mark-making to record the compositional elements. I produce finished pieces in oil or mixed media, perhaps using elements of several sketches.

I take photographs too, but I never paint from an image – photos are more of an aide-mémoire… my visual diary.