When I am with the plants in my garden I often feel I am in the midst of the miraculous. The air fairly hums with the silent energy of greenery growing. In the company of the flowers and foliage I am halfway to heaven. A golden realm. This experience permeates what I paint.
A vivid seeing of the plant world's generous profusion of colour, light and pattern is worth painting about. I want to hold near some sense of natue's bounty, it's deep mystery and the endless bestowing of life. One way to do that is through painting.
I live in Sandwich in Kent. Kent's other name is the Garden of England. Sandwich is a mediaeval walled town. My studio is in the centre in a 12th century walled garden. On Spring days I step out of my studio and am surrounded by Irises. For 36 years now this green and pleasant land has provided inspiration for the many paintings of flowers I produce.
