Compositions that punch

When starting a painting, whether it be in the studio or en plein air, the first thing I consider is the composition and the intended focal point (or ‘hook’) that will be the resting point for the eye. This should hopefully give the painting its own unique meaning.

Sketchbook studies

The finished work is often based on sketchbook studies, which are particularly useful when researching unusual or less familiar subject matter. The process begins with a series of loose studies that can be either in pencil, or in oil washes. Their intention is to act as a retrospective reference and also to see if it sparks sufficient interest to merit further enquiry.

The sketchbooks are primed in (above) was the basis for a large studio painting, and although the title suggests a church, it was in fact an old school that has now been converted into flats. It did, however, make an interesting subject matter. It is not always apparent which sketches will be of use, as the process is open ended with no fixed outcome expected.