Drawings
Drawing has always been central to my work. I draw first before attempting anything. I work from memory after a lifetime of close observation of the world around me. I studied life drawing as a student and taught for many years.
I use the human form to tell stories. These stories are about Love and Mercy, kindness, tenderness and the fragility of human life.
I sometimes use the drawings as the basis for paintings, sometimes they stand alone. For me drawing is easier than writing.
Drawing and painting the human figure can sometimes get you into trouble. I often draw erotic and sensual themes and use nudity to show the fragility and vulnerability of the people depicted. In 2015 I was evicted from my studio in Newport's Indoor Market. I was told that my work was 'obscene' and 'offensive'.
It may seem strange that in our modern liberal age, such censorship still exists. However I see it as proof that there is still power in the depiction of the human form and that the telling of stories in this way can challenge people in a moral and emotional way.
As a child my parents encouraged me to draw. In church I drew the people around me and at school I amused my fellow pupils by drawing the teachers. This got me into trouble but was good practice!
Drawing from memory enables you to filter out unnecessary details and concentrate on the essence of the things depicted.