If you were to look at my work, you might see a whole heap of ‘recognisable’ buildings, boats, light houses and rugged coastline.

But look a little closer, and you’ll find a style I call semi-abstract; a bridge between the world we see and the way it makes us feel.

What is Semi-Abstract Art?

I like to think of it as the ‘Goldilocks’ of art. It’s not a literal, photographic copy of a scene, but it isn’t so abstract that you can't recognise the subject. It’s a style that prioritises emotion, colour, and movement. By simplifying and playing with the shapes, I leave room for your own memories and imagination to breathe within the canvas.

A Legacy of Colour

My love for this style started in a classroom in the UK. I was heavily influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists; the bold, expressive energy of Van Gogh and the fearless palettes of Gauguin. My high school art teacher, who painted in this evocative style, sparked a fire in me that never went out.

I built my original career in this style, painting fishing harbours and boats inspired by wonderful seaside memories from my childhood.

Today I’ve picked this up and added in the bright vibrant colour palette from the world around me where I now live in Western Australia.

Layers of Story

My process is a slow, rhythmic building of history. Using predominantly acrylic paints, brushes, and palette knives, I build each piece up a layer at a time.

The first dozen layers are the ‘soul’ of the painting. Even if they are eventually covered, they provide the depth and mood that makes the final surface vibrate with life.