Seeing the beach everyday had a creative impact and inspired me artistically as well.

I am drawn to people’s stories and try to capture their complicated emotions on canvas. Sometimes I sense their secrets and try to arrange my compositions in an edgy, sometimes tormented way.

This has led me to my latest series, which I have entitled ‘SHE’. It depicts women I have either met or heard of. I use very bright, striking colours and bold paint strokes (sometimes applied with a palette knife). I also have to admit that I love diving into the paint with my fingers sometimes. I am conscious of finding shadows and density in my work. I feel a need to create illusion and drama and grab the audience’s attention. I want them to feel something when they view these women.

I have named each portrait; some remind me of people I know, and some appear a little androgynous (well you just never know!).

I have taught for many years in my studio Bluebottle Art Studio. I think I have learned from the children with their spontaneous, honest response to the world around them. I feel the way they interpret ideas and see things has rubbed off of me.

Painting has always been a source of energy for me and I hope this transfer to you when you see my work.