In 2020 I moved to the picturesque village of Nidd in North Yorkshire and found myself immersed in the local landscape as I walked the same routes every day for exercise whilst in national lockdown.

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My walks took me along the Nidd Gorge where the river and the magnificent viaduct inspired me to make paintings, along the quiet back road to and from Nidd and through parkland with open spaces, trees and a circuit through farmland, fields and woods.

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 Setting myself a challenge to paint foliage I started by observing the trees from the low viewpoint of the road where they tower above almost enveloping you.

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What inspires me most are the light effects throughout the day and colours of the different seasons, especially the dramatic long shadows of evening and the bright, beautiful, spring and summer sunlight. I like to emphasise and heighten these to give the paintings drama and vibrancy.

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While out walking I take many reference photos of fleeting light effects to use  back in my home studio where I compose my larger paintings. Smaller works are painted, where possible, en plein air, directly from the landscape.

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The paintings are a record of my first four years living in this countryside and alongside these, I've painted and exhibited further afield in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales. Paintings were exhibited at The Great North Art Show at Ripon Cathedral, The Mercer Gallery, Harrogate, The Moors National Park Centre at Danby, Otley Courthouse and annually as part of The North Yorkshire Open Studios.

Upcoming Exhibitions include The Great Yorkshire Show and Ampleforth Abbey.​

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​​For the summer of 2021with covid restrictions eased I participated in Knaresborough's local festival, feva, with an open studio and angel paintings in St.Johns church. 

The angels alongside my landscapes were then shown as part of the Nidd Art trail in Nidd church 2022 and then at St.Peter's Church, Harrogate in 2023 and are shortly to be shown at Ampleforth Abbey in August 2024.

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​Inspired by the beautiful angel monuments I find in cemeteries I was captivated by the strength and power of the Grove Road Angel.

As a sculptor myself I relate to the skill and workmanship of the original creator.

The statue, still standing within a quiet place of remembrance, through decades and in all weathers, has stood the test of time.

​I found this second angel monument in Harlow Hill cemetery, Harrogate. She stands quietly at a far point within the cemetery landscape not too far from a busy road. While other monuments around her are lying on the ground she stands looking vulnerable.

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The angels speak to me of the human condition and how I feel within this world. I would like to draw attention to them and celebrate creativity.

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This was a very enjoyable and meaningful painting project, combining my love of landscape and sculpture, painted in a small room at my former Studio in Knaresborough and subsequently shown in vast religious spaces.

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