Since late 2025, and after a house move and a year of renovation, I set my mind to getting my artwork back up and running, especially with around 5 exhibitions to make work for in the year ahead.
Beginning work after a longish gap can feel daunting.
What to paint?
In which medium?
How big?
Starting small can for me be a good way in.
For several years I have found simple shapes fun to ‘play’ with. I’m not sure why, but there is something that is just pleasing about slowly finding out what shape and colour will work well in the composition.
In the above 15cm square piece worked in acrylic inks on board, I enjoyed keeping the pigments translucent, and building up layers. I can’t explain what such work ‘means’, but that’s never bothered me. Each shape as I look at this seems to have a ‘character’ and even a ‘role’. The dark shapes for instance feel dynamic, as if they have a purpose, and are conveying an intention or even a message. I hope you enjoy the way that the translucent inks reveal and employ the underlying brush marks on the prepped board surface?
I always love to know what you think! I’ve decided to call it “On the prom”. The sunny colours, their movement, and that dark shape somewhat like the lighthouse seem to justify the title. It will soon be exhibited in my first solo show this year, at The Canteen, Southwold, a beautiful, friendly cafe providing excellent coffee and food!
By way of contrast, here’s a big collage on board (120cm long) inspired by Blackshore: Southwold’s harbour area.
It’s a place full of energy, texture and colour. And of course it’s a place where people go out to and return from the sea. Harbours to me suggest both the dangers associated with that and the welcome shelter. No doubt we can all find echoes of such in our everyday lives?