Explorations in Light and Shadow: My Journey through Landscape Painting

My journey through landscape painting has been a deep and continuous exploration of the natural world, with a particular focus on the interplay of light and shadow. I find both joy and inspiration in the serene and stark beauty of mountain landscapes, dense forests, and tranquil water reflections. These elements are central to my work, as they capture the essence of the natural world that I seek to portray through my art.

My artistic journey began at a young age, where I found solace and creativity in drawing and painting. The influence of my art tutor in school was particularly significant. He had a natural talent for using coloured chalks on a blackboard, and I often imitated his style. However, it was his encouragement of an interest in the great artists of the past, such as Raphael, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Salvador Dali, that shaped my perspective and deepened my passion for art.

Even during my stint as an engineer in the army, I managed to keep my artistic passion alive by participating in an art class. This period of my life was a mix of practical work and creative expression. After college, I joined an architectural practice in Scotland, where I had the opportunity to sketch and paint various projects. My interest in architecture was particularly influenced by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a fellow Glaswegian. His works in the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau were deeply inspiring to me.

My love for exploring architecture in the landscape led me to constantly sketch and paint the places I encountered. I usually begin with an ink sketch that is then washed with paint-pens to enhance the detail. This is followed by a formal development onto canvas, often involving the use of stencils cut from card and mesh fabric. I find that this process allows me to explore various color schemes, from pastel tones like those seen in my view of the Ulster coast to strong, bold primaries, as in my paintings of Ely Cathedral, Stonehenge, Lindisfarne Castle, and Corfe Castle.

The energy of painting large canvasses is both dynamic and exciting for me. It is rewarding not only in the creative process but also in the way it captures the changing moods of the natural world throughout the day. Each piece is a reflection of the time and light in which it was created, and I enjoy sharing these moments through my art. I have given some of my paintings as gifts, such as this one which was a wedding gift for a friend who had planned to visit New York for their honeymoon in September 2001, but history had a different plan for them.

My art continues to evolve, and I invite you to explore more of my work and insights on my profile and Quora page. Each piece is a snapshot of the natural world as I see it, and I hope you find as much enjoyment in my paintings as I do in creating them.