I am a largely self-taught artist, working in a variety of mediums, with a preference for soft and oil pastel. My academic qualifications, combined with my love of travel and the natural world are reflected in the subjects I choose to represent in my art, ranging from human portraits, animal subjects, flower studies, gardens to broader landscapes.
In addition to working on paper and canvas, I was inspired by David Hockney to experiment with digital drawing tools and have converted some of these images to textiles and other products.
I am also keen to explore 3D work but will not be showing any examples of this during the exhibition.
My current exhibition will focus on two specific projects, the first: ‘Leaves from the Yellow Book’, capturing the beauty of some of the gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) in Yorkshire and the second: ‘To the Ends of the Earth” on my travels to the Arctic and Antarctic, depicting the wildlife, history and landscapes of these unique remote places.
I loved art and nature from an early age but chose to follow a scientific route through education, ultimately obtaining a degree in Zoology. I then went on to work in genetic research for a short period, followed by a career in the NHS and healthcare regulation. Turning 40, I returned to my artistic leanings and studied part time for a degree in Art and Garden Design. Whilst not a course of formal art tuition, this did help me gain a better understanding of aesthetics, colour and design in general. It also fostered my love of gardens and plants. I then went on to become a part time gardener before retiring.
Apart from working at my art studio, I spends a large part of my time either visiting gardens or observing wildlife in the natural environment, whether abroad or closer to home; ever hopeful with a camera to capture an image that will inspire my work back in the studio.
Horticap, Bluecoat Wood Nurseries, Otley Road, Harrogate, HG3 1QL (cards only)