Esperanza

This painting is inspired by a trip to Newcastle on the Northern New South Wales coast. It is a major sea port and departure point for ships transporting coal from the mines inland. I was drawn to the contrast between the colours of the ship and the storm clouds ahead, as well as the sense of scale of the towering ship and tiny tug.

I work predominantly in acrylic on canvas board as I appreciate both the flexibility and precision that it allows. This is particularly important in developing the vibrance and saturation that I look for in my choice of colour, subject matter and the effective of light upon it.

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I loved to draw and paint from a very early age. I was fascinated by the capability of artists to bring to life the world around them; to represent form, light and shade; to create three dimensions within two.

Simultaneously I was drawn to photography. From my earliest self-processed black and white prints to the sophistication of modern digital manipulation, I have always taken pictures.

In my professional life I established and ran successful creative businesses in London, Luxembourg, Malaga, Berlin and Sydney. I held senior roles in prominent design practices and advertising agencies, including the creative directorship of Europe's first online service.

More recently I taught design at universities and design schools in Sydney, Australia and Southern Spain with particular focus upon sustainable design thinking, human-centred design and developing successful design practice.

I began my career as a junior illustrator in London. It's therefore appropriate that with more time on my hands these days I should return to my first love.