Works in Progress

All the paintings below are not finished. Some of them I began last year, in 2016, and others I have started this year, 2017. The subjects are varied: memories of places I have visited and events I have experienced or what I have observed in the immediate vicinity of my studio in Willesden Green, northwest London.

Houses in Motrone (Tuscany) 2017 Oil on Canvas

I am making this painting from a sketch I made at the time when I stayed in this part if Italy as a guest of friends, Caroline and John Locke in autumn 2005. We walked from our villa, the Casa Inglese, in San Romano up the hill to Motrone. I love how the houses blend into the beautiful, fresh, mountainous environment.


Bonfire Night in Lewes 2016-7 Oil on Canvas

This anarchic celebration occurs every 5 November in Lewes, not far from Brighton. Street parades cross each other as crowds line the streets to watch, fireworks explode all around and effigies to be burned are marched on display to the cheers of all. In 2016, it was a very rainy night. A smokey foggy mist hung over everything. Suddenly, in a moment, I had a clear view of a woman carrying a burning cross while an excited observer looked out of his apartment window at the scene below .  

Still Life With Fading Rose 2016 - 17 Oil on Canvas

The deep red rose called 'William Shakespeare' grows in the garden borders near my studio. Every autumn I pick the last ones and watch as they fade and disintegrate, turning russet and even purple.

Fallen Fence and Wheelbarrow at Willesden Green 2017 Acrylic on Canvas

Quite sad, really.

 Willesden Green Gardens After Rain 2017 Watercolour

I was in my studio on a very rainy day and looked out across the neighbouring gardens. I particularly noticed the moody sky. While this sketch is finished, it is the preliminary idea for a painting yet to be done.

Inside my studio in April 2017

The Bay of Naples with Mt Vesuvius 2017 Oil on Canvas

 I visited Naples in 2016 and, while I was there I took the view from the famous medieval castle,  Castel Nuovo. The sweeping Bay of Naples lay in front of me and, behind that, the imposing Mt Vesuvius in the distance. Actually, I think this painting is nearly finished. What do you think?