| In this, my third Exhibition at Treliske, I have concentrated on the beauty and quiet drama found in the gardens around us. There is an unending source of inspiration to be found in our gardens both public and private. As I walk through our Cornish gardens I like to take time to sketch, study and photograph the managed planting in our larger gardens with its structured form, colour and texture throughout the seasons. We are blessed with a mild climate that allows an immense variety of exotic plants and trees from all over the world to flourish on our doorstep. An opportunity for me to venture into another `world' that is irresistible.
I live near the valley garden of Trebah on Cornwall's South coast. It has evolved into a vibrant semi-tropical jungle and images drawn from here form the main body of work for this show. I enjoy searching out painting sources.... secret pathways, shadowy stands of bamboos, tree ferns and palms, statuesque specimen trees, such as the large Rhododendrons and glorious swathes of hydrangeas. All these are absorbed as is the contrast of water through and around the garden. Tracing its way down to the sea the stream in Trebar gives rise to beautiful pools and tiny waterfalls, an abundance of working ideas. This diverse environment, with its accent on creating soft vistas, pockets of vibrant colour and dramatic structure is consistant with my methods of working in a variety of mediums.... oil, water colour, inks and washes. I build up my mixed media images in layers, starting with charcoal drawings and washes and adding texture with acrylic mediums and found materials. I often add colour with tempera paint, which I like for its soft yet dense appearance.
Not to be forgotten are the pockets of wild flowers and surprise views which open up over garden banks, catching my attention and pleasing as well as anything.
With these images I hope to give an uplifting escape into the garden delights around us. |
