Blog

I was recently asked why do I do what I do.  Why do I paint landscapes that are not representational but still powerfully evocative?

I rarely place objects or people in my landscapes which is in itself interesting, considering a large part of my adult life has been consumed with dealing with their emotional complexities and well being. I do find people fascinating and love to look at figurative paintings; however I have no desire to express life's joys and anxieties in my work. I am, though, interested in my surroundings and how the landscape around us is just as complex as a person. I want the viewer to stop for a moment, look at the painting, see beyond its apparent simplicity, and find something of themselves in it.

I live in a small city, full of the old traditions, yet still young, vibrant and constantly re-inventing itself. Yet I love to drive out of it, away from the noise and excitement that the city brings. I like to stop. Look. Breathe. Contemplate. Distill. I will then take photographs and sketch, which I then use as inspiration when I'm back in the studio. However it is primarily my memory that triggers my work. I can close my eyes and remember where I was, what the weather was like, the colours, the sounds and the smell of earth. I suppose that is why deserted locations are one of my favourite places to be visit, and why they feature in many of my paintings. They are wonderfully silent places which force my senses to absorb the surroundings, only to re-emerge on my canvas sometime later.

As an artist I am constantly pushing myself to experiment and take risks. Although there are moments when it all becomes too hard and you ask yourself the question 'Why do I do what I do' ? There is no complete answer to this question. I suppose the day that I feel I have answered it is the day I'll probably stop painting.

Paul Rodhouse has exhibited with Cambridge Open Studios for many years.  This year Paul is exhibiting with me here at my gallery and studio at Highworth Avenue on the 9th and 10th July 2011. Paul is a scientist whose research takes him to the Antarctic where he finds the inspiration for many of his paintings in which he captures the light, the abstract shapes and the sheer majesty of the southern polar region of our fragile planet. Paul works in acrylic and oil on medium to large sized canvases or board.

Here are a few samples of his work.

On Saturday 16th July 2011 from 6:30 until 8:30pm I will be participating in an art exhibition and auction, raising funds for Cam-Mind and the Christina Noble Children's Foundation. Over 25 local artists are participating by donating pieces to be auctioned off, and these include paintings, prints, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, drawings and illustration. There will also be food, drink, a message from Keith Evans, the Chairman of Cam-Mind, and live entertainment, as well as the opportunity to explore the beautiful setting of Haddenham Galleries.

If you are unable to attend on the 16th July but would still like to bid on something from the collection, go to the I Think Therefore I Ambulance website which also supports online bidding. Simply enter your maximum bid for each item and we'll do all the hard work for you on the night!

The four-member band So Mango performed at the quirky small venue The Portland Arms on Friday 10th June. David and Rosemary, photographed here, will be performing at my Open Studios private party. The evening was raising money for the Chesterton Community College Bus appeal. It was an excellent evening!

That time of year has come around again very quickly: the Cambridge Open Studios is only a couple weeks away. I am sending out invites and programmes to everyone on my mailing list over the next couple days.

My new body of work for 2011 is called Norfolk Talks.

Every time I visit the Norfolk coast I fall in love all over again with the landscape.  I have been wanting to work on a series for some time now and 2011 has been the year to start work on it.  I have added a new gallery which contains a couple of my new paintings in this collection.  My inspirations have come from Brancaster, Old Hunstanton, Cley and Mundesley.

This week Craig and I featured in The Cambridge Evening News.

On Sunday 10th April from 4 - 6 pm there is an auction taking place at Nomads, Kings Parade raising funds for Cam-Mind and The Christian Noble Foundation. I have donated a painting and I will be there from 4 pm.

On Thursday 31 March 2011 I held a drinks evening at my house and studio for all 2011 new members of Cambridge Open Studios. Here are some photos of the gathering: