New small painting on paper: Windswept Autumn

This small painting is definitely more spontaneous than many of my other works, particularly in the brushstrokes and the vibrant use of colour. Painting on paper gives me the opportunity to be experimental because the paint dries so quickly, which encourages me to be speedy but thoughtful with the application and layering of colour.

Despite this need for precision I find the process very liberating and free, allowing for a sense of immediacy and fresh energy that often influences the final piece in unexpected but exciting ways.

It’s great to have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of colour combinations especially when you realise that the most unlikely and unexpected colours can actually work beautifully together. This helps create the impression of shadows and light or adds just the right amount of atmosphere, enhanced by subtle hints of colour and tone that bring the composition to life.

Sometimes I find myself beginning to paint a certain time of day, carefully planning the mood and atmosphere I want to capture but however as I start applying colour the painting gradually takes a complete U-turn and evolves into something entirely different from my original direction. This unexpected transformation is often surprising but it also brings a pleasant and refreshing sense of discovery to the creative process.

If you would like to explore my entire collection of small paintings on paper please visit my portfolio page where you can discover a diverse range of spontaneous landscape and seascape artworks created to complement and enhance any small space beautifully.