Windswept

This is a large oil painting of my mother and my sister. They sit huddled together on an extremely windy boat, their hair wildly windswept, my mother looking off into the distance. I am often drawn to painting people being exposed to the natural world and the elements and this painting is no exception. In this painting I am also interested in the relationship between my sister and my mother, close in proximity yet looking in opposite directions. The strong use of diagonal lines in this composition help to support this narrative. The scale of this painting is bold, yet the tonal quality is subtle, with cool blues and greys contrasting against the soft skin tones.

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Painting and drawing is my way of processing and celebrating my immediate surroundings and experiences. I am constantly observing and rejoicing in those moments when for example the glow of the late afternoon sun hits the side of persons face lost in quiet reflection. I am interested in capturing beautiful, intimate and gentle human experiences through the interplay of light, shadow and colour. Ultimately I want the viewer to respond emotionally to my artworks and for that feeling to quietly linger.
Although art has always been a big part of my life, painting many murals and working as a primary school art teacher since 2002, it isn't until recently that I have decided to give greater priority to my own artwork and develop a professional practice. I hope you enjoy what I have been painting.