I was surprised and delighted to receive The Megan Fitzoliver Brush Award at the 208th RI online exhibition this year with my painting Be Still
It's easy to be moved by an aerial panorama of the sparkling Thames at sunset or to feel the exhilaration of crashing waves on a beach, but there is a different kind of magic to be found in secluded backwaters.
The inspiration for 'Be Still' is from such a place near to my home in Staffordshire. I like to walk at the end of my working day, to breathe and clear my head. It's a quiet time.
A favourite walk is at the far side of my village around tree-lined lakes where I've become interested in the water's edge.
My favourite conditions are depicted in 'Be Still' when there is almost no movement on the surface.
While noticing the spacing of the reeds and their seductive reflections, I'm also aware of the surface tension and below, where reeds have fallen and sunk to create a basket that cradles the whole. 'Be Still' is about looking, being present in the moment, noticing the small stuff and it makes me almost hold my breath.