Despite being labeled as a 'semi-abstract painter,' my work is rooted in direct observation, particularly of my surrounding environment, which serves as my constant muse and companion. My goal is to capture the essence of a place rather than meticulously replicate it. I explore landscapes, distilling them down to their essential elements, aiming to evoke a sense of the location rather than reproduce every detail. My process begins with plein air drawing, capturing intricate details and taking informative photos for reference. I then transition to my studio, where I simultaneously work on multiple paintings, predominantly on A3 watercolour paper or small canvas, although I'm now exploring larger canvases. My paintings evolve with the seasons, weather, and time of day, reflecting the dynamic nature of the environment. Utilizing acrylics, pens, and ink, I embrace the fast-drying qualities of these mediums, though I remain adaptable, adjusting my approach based on the conditions and atmosphere I encounter.

Being brought up in a large Irish creative family I should not have been very surprised to find that after teaching in Oxford for 24 years and spending three years in Shenzhen, China, I wanted to make the decision to fully dedicate myself to painting, but I was. We lived in a massive Pagoda House in Winchester which I suspect had subconscious influence on my desire to work in China. I attended The Winchester School of Art and SGIHE Howard gardens Cardiff Art school where I studied Printmaking. After having my two girls I returned to work in Oxford and thoroughly enjoyed 22 years of Art Textiles and Photography at GCSE and A level. 

The impact of working with children with no English in China changed my creative process completely and living in school allowed me to begin my own practice, this was pivot and had let me to Devon and today. 

I am a member of Brixham Art Society, Torbay Guild of Artist, and Torbay Artist Network, with whom I exhibit my work.  

Exhibitions 

Milkwood Gallery Solo show 2012

MIS Shenzhen China 2019

Artizan Gallery Torbay 2023-4

Southwark London 2023

GreenHill Gallery Mortontonhanmpstead 2024

Delamore Arts 2024