My Portfolio: a journey in reflection
Welcome to my portfolio, a collection that reflects not only the beauty of the canals and their wildlife but also a significant stage in my artistic journey. Explore my latest works and discover the unique perspective I bring to each piece.
Canal boats: stories on water
My fascination with canal boats goes beyond their aesthetic appeal. They embody a rich history and a tranquil way of life. Each stroke in these paintings aims to capture the essence of their journey, reflecting both their steadfast presence and the ever-changing waters around them. This painting is inspired from moored boats on the Leeds, Liverpool Canal: Bridge 69, (White Bear Marina).
Wildlife by the water's edge
The canals are teeming with life, and the wildlife that inhabits their banks and waters provides endless inspiration. From the vibrant kingfisher to the graceful swan, I strive to bring their stories to life on canvas, capturing their natural beauty and the subtle interplay of light and shadow.
The artistry of reflections
Reflections hold a special place in my art, mirroring not just the world above but also the depths of emotion and thought. Whether it's the serene surface of a river or the dynamic movement of the sea, these pieces explore the beauty and complexity of reflected light and imagery. This image is inspired following sketches around the Ellerbeck Boat Yard at Bridge 71, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Twists and Turns
The canal and its path, navigating through the land brings one delightful surprise after another; the people you meet, the wildlife you come across and inspiration seized from an early morning walk.
The delicacy and the tension
The delicacy of the Dragonfly resting on the surface tension of the water, reflecting both transient and sturdiness, and that tension showing support for the fragile
On the Spot drawing.
This was the starting point of a study of the newly opened in spring 'Boatyard Bus Cafe'. I Began around Easter time creating sketches ...sitting on the bench opposite, with my dog Bruno . He still walks as far as he can being thirteen years now. ...Lucky enough to get a guy waiting for his biker mates to turn up,,,,Guess they had planned a 'Run'. Bridge 71 on Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
On the Spot
The finished piece (for now), of the ' Boatyard Bus Cafe' in colour. I could get all mysterious about how we artists arrive at a so called 'finished piece' ....I prefer to call it a 'Piece I have finished working on' ....for now.
It is after all a process, rather like baking a cake I guess. (I am no good at cooking / baking, by the way). But there are stages to creation, and I am no different in terms of creation. It is a lot of 'going with the flow, and seeing what transpires'
People we Meet
I will call after boaters travelling 'Do you mind if I take a picture? This particular boater I saw whilst walking down canal with my dogs . .Anyway, this picture was one of my first within this body of work.. Engaging with the Waterways visually has been a salvation, to lend and reflect on creativity. One man and his dog turned out to be a couple and their Son's dog, as I found them moored in-between bridge 69 and 71 on the Leeds, Liverpool., some time after I took the photograph. Don't think they will mind me mentioning their boat (the inspiration). Karen, Graham and Labrador Ron: boat: Shadow.
Just Passing Through
A travelling couple, John and Karen, aboard the lovely blue boat 'B'twixt & B'tween', were passing through Adlington when spotted near the White Bear Marina, close to Bridge 69. I saw them moor up for what they needed. Having took a couple of photos as approaching them, asked if I could paint their boat, and they responded with an affirmative.
There's a Boat that Will take Us Away
This painting has been developing in concept over a few years. I do Journal, and have done for some time. and occasionally log dreams. Several years ago, I had a vivid, almost Lucid dream, and was urged to create a drawing, being such a strong visual , and then, it was logged away with journal work.. Recently coming across the drawing after moving home, and starting to reflect and record through drawing, around the nearby canal, I decided to replicate the dream in colour. (Mixed media on canvas).
Discover more of my creative journey
My art is a continuous evolution. If you are a potential buyer, a gallery owner, or simply an art enthusiast from Adlington, Chorley, or the wider North West, I invite you to explore my work. While I am currently offering prints and cards for sale, please get in touch to discuss any interest or simply to connect.... Although you will find here my most recent body of work reflecting canal life, other projects will feature as they progress.,