Practice
Professional Practice
My fascination with people and the human condition has been the driving impetus for much of my work. My BA degree show was an exhibition of portraiture of fellow students in the School of Art. My MA developed this theme. Portraiture is an abiding preoccupation but I am also transfixed by the effects of light on any subject. I use pencil, pastel, ink and charcoal; gouache, oils and acrylics, working (ideally) directly from life, from what's in front of me. When this is not possible, I paint from sketches, memories and many photographs. I make observational drawings daily, believing that sound drawing is the 'grammer' of the visual language.
Where my earlier works were entirely representational, many of my newer paintings explore abstract approaches that enable me to reflect a deeper, and more ‘felt’ personal experience. Working in this way is complex and challenging but the outcomes are an invitation to the viewer to share and creatively reinterpret these sensations.
Painting is a constantly evolving process to which I am entirely dedicated.
Training
BA Fine Art & MA Fine Art, Aberystwyth University
First female, student commissioned artist to paint the University President. Art Uk
Twice recipient of the Francis Williams Art Prize
My fascination with people and the human condition has been the driving impetus for much of my work. My BA degree show was an exhibition of portraiture of fellow students in the School of Art. My MA developed this theme. Portraiture is an abiding preoccupation but I am also transfixed by the effects of light on any subject. I use pencil, pastel, ink and charcoal; gouache, oils and acrylics, working (ideally) directly from life, from what's in front of me. When this is not possible, I paint from sketches, memories and many photographs. I make observational drawings daily, believing that sound drawing is the 'grammer' of the visual language.
Where my earlier works were entirely representational, many of my newer paintings explore abstract approaches that enable me to reflect a deeper, and more ‘felt’ personal experience. Working in this way is complex and challenging but the outcomes are an invitation to the viewer to share and creatively reinterpret these sensations.
Painting is a constantly evolving process to which I am entirely dedicated.
Training
BA Fine Art & MA Fine Art, Aberystwyth University
First female, student commissioned artist to paint the University President. Art Uk
Twice recipient of the Francis Williams Art Prize
Teaching
I have had the privileged opportunity to instruct a diverse and stimulating body of students. Teaching in the UK, Europe and China. I have developed highly effective teaching approaches and techniques, which allow me to enable learners of all abilities. As at tutor, my goal is to provide students with careful encouragement, creative nurturing and support; dynamic direction and inspirational influences; the fundamental and vital grasp of materials and processes; and a burgeoning and passionate awareness and understanding of the arts.
Areas of Expertise
Life room
Observational and Expressive Drawing and Methodologies
Painting
Portraiture
Extensive knowledge of Historical and Contemporary Art
Previous Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
Land & Sea, Cardigan Corn Exchange Gallery March 2018
Echoes of Departure, Coach House Gallery, St Dogmaels 2017
Music of Sight Coach House Gallery St Dogmaels 2016
Mayfield Gallery 98, 2000, Bournemouth
Oriel Arts – Open Art Studio, 96, 97, 98, 2000, St Dogmaels
Theatre Mwldan 1999 Cardigan
Group Shows Exhibitions
Fishguard Art Society, By the Sea, group exhibition Spring 2018
Fishguard Open 2016
Aberystwyth School of Art Gallery The Way of It 2012- joint show with June Forster
Atkinson Gallery Postgraduate Competition 2008
Aberystwyth School of Art Degree Show 2006, Aberystwyth UWA
Boundary Gallery Prize for Figurative Art 2006, London
Oriel Arts St Dogmaels Pembrokeshire
Taliesin Arts Centre 1995 Swansea
The Mayfield Gallery 1995, 99, 2009 Bournemouth
The Café de Paris New Arts Selection 1997, London
Country Living Fair, 1995.96.98.99, London
The Newport Collective, Newport Pembrokeshire
Custom House, Cardigan and Cardiff 2011
Chelini, Cardigan
The Anderson Galleries 96, Burford and Broadway, Oxon
Land & Sea, Cardigan Corn Exchange Gallery March 2018
Echoes of Departure, Coach House Gallery, St Dogmaels 2017
Music of Sight Coach House Gallery St Dogmaels 2016
Mayfield Gallery 98, 2000, Bournemouth
Oriel Arts – Open Art Studio, 96, 97, 98, 2000, St Dogmaels
Theatre Mwldan 1999 Cardigan
Group Shows Exhibitions
Fishguard Art Society, By the Sea, group exhibition Spring 2018
Fishguard Open 2016
Aberystwyth School of Art Gallery The Way of It 2012- joint show with June Forster
Atkinson Gallery Postgraduate Competition 2008
Aberystwyth School of Art Degree Show 2006, Aberystwyth UWA
Boundary Gallery Prize for Figurative Art 2006, London
Oriel Arts St Dogmaels Pembrokeshire
Taliesin Arts Centre 1995 Swansea
The Mayfield Gallery 1995, 99, 2009 Bournemouth
The Café de Paris New Arts Selection 1997, London
Country Living Fair, 1995.96.98.99, London
The Newport Collective, Newport Pembrokeshire
Custom House, Cardigan and Cardiff 2011
Chelini, Cardigan
The Anderson Galleries 96, Burford and Broadway, Oxon
