About

I create watercolour abstracts inspired by the natural world, in particular by the eucalypt-lined river landscapes of Yorta Yorta country where I live.

I prefer organic forms and work intuitively, responding to how the paint and paper interact. Using liberal amounts of water, my initial washes are fairly loose, while marks made with liquid watercolour or graphite are more deliberate.

Much of my work feels like a landscape seen from above. Prior to the Covid pandemic I flew regularly, and always marvelled at the view of the landscape from a plane. I’m a huge fan of drone and aerial photography: a couple of my favourite coffee table books are Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s The Earth from the Air and The Earth from Space. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the perspective from above. I often dreamt I was flying and looking at the world from a viewpoint so high that the details softened into vague impressions.

I find painting expansive and fulfilling. And I’ve learnt that when I’m not thrilled about what has appeared on the paper in front of me, a little spurt of growth often follows.

Like all those who work with watercolour, I love its transparency. I use artist grade watercolours (mainly Daniel Smith), and watercolour inks (mainly Hydrus). And I paint on 100% cotton paper - mostly 300 gsm, hot or cold pressed.