I have been painting in watercolours since the mid 1980s and focussed initially on

landscape studies and then became interested in Urban Sketching in many European

and Asian countries. In recent years I have been developing a more abstract and

experimental approach to landscapes.

An interest in exploring the coastal landscapes of my home county of Waterford and in

particular the Copper Coast has lead to extensive studies of the associated colour

palette and influence of light, shade and seasons on my painting and the gradual

abstraction of these works. This involves many initial sketchbook studies to establish

composition, value, texture, scale, colour etc.

I am strong proponent and believer in the importance of plein-air painting in capturing

the immediacy and vibrancy of nature and my surroundings and in particular gaining

insight into the nuances and feelings of a ‘place’ and my emotional response to it.

I am continually exploring the intangible forces of gravity and chance combined with the

flow of poured water in my compositions in watercolour and ink. The naturalistic but

abstract forms this creates is fascinating and relates to the forms and patterns made by

water and clouds in nature.