Travels from my Studio

There is a particular kind of message that arrives from friends overseas.  Posted as photodumps on socials there will be at least one photograph amongst them of extraordinary light, an impossible stretch of coastline or mountains doing something frankly theatrical.  Usually accompanied by “Thought you might like this.”

5 Palms at Breakfast, Bali - oil on streched canvas

These photographs have given me an idea: a monthly journey from my studio in Hastings, with friends supplying the destinations and me supplying the paint.  No luggage allowance, no airport queue, and a reasonable chance of getting home in time to walk the dogs.

Each month, I’ll choose a photograph sent by a friend on their travels and see where it takes me.  It might be somewhere wonderfully far-flung, or a place closer to home caught in remarkable beauty.  Geography gets it through the door; something in the image has to make me want to paint.

There is something rather lovely about beginning with a view that somebody else has stopped to notice.   That they have stood there, looked, and thought to send it.   I’ll share the photograph, with the photographer’s permission, alongside the painting. 

So, if you’re heading somewhere wonderful, or are already there, consider this a gentle request to send me a view - and it doesn’t have to be epic.  Tell me where you are and what made you stop.  Please send a photograph you’ve taken yourself and are happy for me to use as a painting reference and share here, with credit.

You go exploring.  I’ll clear a space on the easel.