‘Muse’
I fell in love with the Arran (a small island off the west coast of Scotland) the first time I visited and my love for the place deepened every time thereafter. It was a dream come true when we managed to get a small static caravan in Lamlash, where I could gaze at the view across the sea to the Holy Isle.
This view became my muse, a source of artistic inspiration, silhouetted against ever changing skies. I couldn’t get enough photos or do enough sketches to quell this obsession.
But it became more than that. This view could calm an overactive mind as well as enliven and encourage a listless one. This view invites you to muse, to sit mindfully and come to a place of rest.
And just as the Holy Isle is an actual peaceful refuge, it is also what I want you the viewer to gain from these paintings too. Sanctuaries for the soul. Havens that bring joy.
Each of these paintings are created with a multitude of layers, acrylic paint applied with different tools that were also used to scrape back. My process plays a very important part, as I get lost in the exploration, unsure of what the final outcome will be, staying open and mindful to colours, marks and patterns that bring me the same joyful feeling that I get from staring at ‘my muse’.
If you would like more information about the size, price and medium please click on each image.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
The silhouetted island stands boldly on the horizon line offering a haven away from the constant noise of our frenetic lifestyle, just as I look at this view and find a peaceful retreat in my mind. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in inobtrusive patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures. I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Order framed or unframed
Unframed is 20 cm x 20 cm. £120 The sides are painted dark blue.
Framed is 23cm x 23cm. £155 in a hand painted dark aubergine tray frame. It will come ready to hang, strung and screwed in place.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
Whenever I paint this view I am not looking for a direct representation of what I see, but more of how I feel. My intention for this piece is to lead the viewer to a feeling of repose, a place to rest from the noise of the outside world. The soft purples and dusky pinks in the sky are harmonised with bands of cream. The contrast of the deep turquoise sea brings the eye down to the shore line. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in inobtrusive patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures. I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Order framed or unframed
Unframed is 20 cm x 20 cm. £120 The sides are painted dark blue.
Framed is 23cm x 23cm. £155 in a hand painted dark aubergine tray frame. It will come ready to hang, strung and screwed in place.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
Watching the ever changing skies can raise my spirits, especially when it paints such beautiful colours at sunset. This piece has a warm palette of dusky pinks and ochres that can hearten one’s emotions. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in inobtrusive patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures. I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Order framed or unframed
Unframed is 30 cm x 30 cm. £240 The sides are painted dark blue.
Framed is 34cm x 34cm. £280 in a hand painted dark aubergine tray frame. It will come ready to hang, strung and screwed in place.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
This piece was the painting that started this series. It was created when I was trying to complete a different series, but this came out unconsciously. I put it to one side knowing that it would play a pivotal part later on in the year. I love to get lost in my process of exploring what the paint can do as well as playing with new colours. The deep turquoise of the sea is harmonised with crimson and purples in the sky and the rich orange and yellows bring warmth and joy. The distant island acts as my creative inspiration, my muse, but this view can hold my gaze whilst I become absorbed in thought.I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
This piece has a dark thunderous cloud threatening to break, but the addition of creams and ochres harmonises and calms the atmosphere. The silhouetted island stands boldly on the horizon line offering a place of refuge, just as I want the viewer to look at this view and come to a sense of peace from any frenetic thoughts. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in beautifully intricate patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures. I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
Watching the ever changing skies can raise my spirits, especially when it paints such beautiful colours at sunset. The warm dusky pinks, creams and soft purples in the sky contrast with the cool blues in the sea. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in inobtrusive patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures. I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
This piece shows a rather brooding sky, but the overall colour palette of purples and dusky pinks creates a serene atmosphere. The silhouetted island stands boldly on the horizon line offering a place of sanctuary, just as I want the viewer to look at this view and find a sense of tranquility, quietening any frenetic thoughts. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in inobtrusive patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures.
I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Order framed or unframed
Unframed is 30 cm x 30 cm. £240 The sides are painted dark blue.
Framed is 34cm x 34cm. £280 in a hand painted dark aubergine tray frame. It will come ready to hang, strung and screwed in place.
Original painting in acrylic on a cradled wooden panel.
Whenever I paint this view I am not looking for a direct representation of what I see, but more of how I feel. My intention for this piece is to lead the viewer to a feeling of quiescence, tranquility and catharsis. The serene light greys and dusky pinks in the sky are harmonised with the dark purple and peach colours of the shore. I have loved getting lost in my process of imprinting different textures into the paint that has resulted in inobtrusive patterns that entice you to come closer and find joy and peace in the rich surface textures. I have hand painted the frame in a deep aubergine colour that sets off the painting beautifully as in the pictures.
UV varnished and buffed with a cold wax finish.
Order framed or unframed
Unframed is 30 cm x 30 cm. £240 The sides are painted dark blue.
Framed is 34cm x 34cm. £280 in a hand painted dark aubergine tray frame. It will come ready to hang, strung and screwed in place.