Painting in Yorkshire.

The landscapes of Wharfedale and Nidderdale are breathtaking, but as this is also my homeland there is a special significance. I spent several weeks painting there in the summer of 2005, moving with the strong feelings I have for that landscape.

 After several days of walking, drawing and photography a new approach developed. By working on groups of two or three paintings simultaneously and continuously for several days my outer responses to the landscape became less descriptive and more assimilated. I worked in oil paint on canvas with found materials. Sometimes they were left overnight under rocks and tree roots and this helped the engagement.

In the richness of the uninhabited landscape my senses remained open for long periods of time. I found new lyrics in the sounds of the land, its grinding, roaring, whispering and murmuring, sometimes flying through the rawness of the elements to land on an outcrop of unknown perception. Images arose from the sensations and felt as though they were coming through my body onto the canvas, merging with the outer landscape. Immersion in a dance of this kind releases my need to know what is happening until after it has happened. The works arrived and the results have surprised me.

The first group of wild gorge paintings were painted in a steep woodland ravine in Nidderdale, where I spent many hours watching the wildlife and setting up nest boxes when I was young

Other paintings herald the beginning of a new journey. Cliff Foss is a waterfall on my parent's farm in upper Nidderdale where our family relaxed and my brother and I played as children. I've been there on many occasions since, but this is the first time I have been to paint there.

Please click on the pictures for details and larger images. Most prices are between £400 - £850.

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