Through the encouragement of family and friends the images of my paintings are now visible to anyone who wants to see them. The flowers and plants of my home – in the beautiful Antrim countryside - have been a lifelong inspiration to me. I paint directly from specimens in the garden and wild to reflect the richness and colours of the seasons and the incredible forms and textures I find everywhere. Over the years I've been lucky to have wonderful mentors offering guidance and advice. On reflection though, a chance visit to Dublin and the discovery of a Spanish artist working in impasto changed my approach to painting in oils for the rest of my life.
the early days
As a young girl attending school in Coleraine I always seemed to excel in drawing and painting. It was my first love I recall the pleasures of Saturday mornings and gathering flowers from the beautiful school gardens to create arrangements for the dinning room. And so, began an interest combining art and floral arrangement which has been with me ever since. It came as no surprise to everyone who knew me that I became senior teacher In Northern Ireland of the Woburn Abbey School of Flower Arranging.Many moons have passed since those halcyon days yet I still love my art.
the detail
is less really more?
From my early works in gouache during teacher training to the revelation of applying oils by palette knife, it's fair to say my development has progressed organically. What I've always tried to do however is convey how I visualise the essence of a plant or flower. Fundamental to that process is capturing not only the richness and depth of the colours but also the many forms and shapes. This was underlined when I attended the Constance Spry Flower School in London during my teaching career and which I've carried with me ever since.
Move your mouse over the painting on the left to zoom in and see the finer detail. You can move your mouse around to see different areas of the painting in more detail. Note: If you don't have broadband this may take a while to appear.
Every season brings it's riches and it's how one receives and interprets them that defines us in all we do. So while it's said that less is more I have to say I've really gone the other way and tried to immerse my work with as much definition and highlight as possible.
- Signed Original Canvases
- All my works are priced individually.
- Simply click on any of the photographs of paintings to see a larger image of the painting.
- Most of the canvases are 14" x 10" and 16" x 12" and each separate flower head takes up to five hours to create.
- Each painting will be sent free of charge, securely packaged and insured, to anywhere in the UK.
- Please email or call me 0845 634 4553 for costs and further details.
- My website will be regularly updated with a selection of canvasses on view for the first time.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Click on the paintings below to see a larger version.
