Figures

The inspiration for my figure paintings is based on my love of art history. The human body has been portrayed in art throughout humankind.  It is in our need to represent ourselves and others in certain ways and in the need to tell stories.  I enjoy the struggle to portray human forms in a believable way, not only to give them form but personality and emotions too.

To give the figures a  believability I concentrate on the flow of the paintbrush to give structure and movement and I try and recreate the myriad of colors that I can see in the details of the flesh.

The backgrounds are very instrumental in the paintings and I give as much thought to them as the figure. I build up the color and the texture as getting these elements right is very important to elevate the figure in the painting and create a sense of drama and purpose.  I enjoy using bold colors that contrast and clash and arrest the eye..