From an early age I've always been creative. I studied Art at school, and although I loved it, my artistic ambitions took a back seat until the late 1990's while I pursued another career. Being an artist who came late to painting full time, and without any art school training, I happily acknowledge the debt I owe to the many artists who have influenced me, for example Edward Seago for his simplicity and wonderful handling of light and atmosphere, and John Blockley for his often unorthodox approach to watercolour.

Living in Cornwall, with its magic play of light, is inspirational. The familiar creeks and surrounding countryside make motivating subjects with their dense woodlands, beached boats, rocks and granite cottages. I usually begin my work at the spot that fires my interest and work quickly to capture as much of the fleeting moment as possible. Sometimes when I am sketching a landscape my response is immediate; at other times the emotional content I wish to convey becomes evident slowly during the studio part of the process, which gives me the opportunity to explore texture and design more fully. This can involve some unusual ways of using paints, ink and water. I often work on tissue paper, or mountboard primed with gesso, and I am currently exploring the use of various Japanese wami papers, which give enhanced life to the work.

I love experimenting with colour and texture to develop my technique and to express my emotional response to a subject. I have been exhibiting since 2002 at various galleries, and have been surprised and delighted by the public response to my work, which is now in many private collections in various countries.