Sketchbook

I love painting outdoors or ‘en Plein-air’ on day trips, walks or holidays. It’s challenging yet exciting, rewarding and of course, great practice. I note where the light and shadows are (with the aid of a photo as it is always changing), what the main focal point is, what drew me to the place/scene in the first place and the ambiance.

At home I experiment with new colours and techniques to broaden my painting skills. Limiting my time doing a sketch/drawing is a great way to concentrate on what is important. Squinting at my subject gives me values/tones and lights/darks which helps to simplify my subject, making it easier to understand and paint. Limiting the amount of colours I use helps to unify the painting and hopefully, please the eye.