Fantasy World

In this, the third in my Grimm fairy tale series, we see Hansel and Gretel holding hands as they walk through the dark forest. Gretel cleverly drops breadcrumbs to help them find their way back, not realising that the witch and her cohorts – the imp and the raven, are just as quickly disposing of the crumbs so that the children become lost. The witch is very keen to lead them to her gingerbread house, I wonder if you can spot her hidden in the undergrowth?

Original artwork: 22” x 18” (506mm x 406mm) Mixed media on canvas frame.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.

Some years ago my two young sons and I lived in a very spooky house. The atmosphere was always very peaceful and happy, but strange things regularly occurred: A mop leaning against the kitchen wall might fall forward for no apparent reason and things would go missing and turn up in unexpected places. After discussing the situation with a friend, we left a tape recorder running on the dining table overnight. There was no mistaking the sounds of clinking glasses on the recording. This painting is my interpretation of the ghostly party that took place in our dining room that night. In the picture, my two sons, now young men, are joined by our cocker spaniel and all are blissfully unaware of the merry goings on in the adjoining room.

Original artwork: 30’’ x 20” (762mm x 508mm) Acrylic on canvas box frame.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.

This is the first of a series of paintings depicting the views in and around Deal close to where I live.

Here, along with “Blood Moon Over Kingsdown” I have created an alternative view of this special place: A Mermaid has found herself in the east Kent coastal waters of Deal. She is mesmerised by the sight and sounds of people enjoying themselves under the sun canopies of some very popular pubs and restaurants on the seafront. The sea life depicted represents an idealised underwater world as the reality looks quite different now.

Original artwork: 30’’ x 20” (762mm x 508mm) Acrylic on canvas board.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.

This is the second in the local views’ series. The famous white cliffs of Dover stretch all along the east Kent coast. This painting is a view of the cliffs at Kingsdown, a village close to Deal. In this painting, as with “A Mermaid’s View” I have created an alternative view of this special place.

The Mermaid, having seen the town of Deal, has returned with some youngsters, this time to Kingsdown’s stunning white cliffs. Here she is seen trying to encourage the young mermaid to stop following her because the Blood Moon is high, and her lover awaits.

Original artwork: 30’’ x 20” (762mm x 508mm) Acrylic on box canvas, painting is continued around 1.5-inch box frame.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.

I was inspired to paint this picture on hearing of the sad passing of a close friend from  my youth in Ireland. I think of him as the one who opened my eyes to the mysteries of the world both within us and around us. We spent many happy hours wandering around the lush Irish countryside, discussing the meaning of life and beyond. This was my immediate image I had of him embarking on to the next phase of his journey. Striding purposefully away from a gloomy urban world towards a green and fertile land where all the inhabitants live harmoniously together.  As the wrought iron gates slowly open to allow him entry, the iron flowers adorning the gates transform into vivid, living blooms as they become a part of the landscape within.

As well as a tribute to a dear friend, this is one of my attempts to portray the regenerative power of nature. I take great comfort wherever I see evidence of this. It gives me hope that the natural world will always prevail. This concept is still very much a work in progress for me. (see also “Moving In” and “Nature Triumphal”).

Original artwork: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 762mm x 508mm (30’’ x 20”)

This is in my private collection.

Prints for sale below.

There is a cave in a secret forest where it is possible to find a world of flora and fauna as yet undiscovered. Here, beside a crystal bedded brook, a mother teaches her young to hunt. It looks as though she has spotted the hapless lizard camouflaged on the trunk of the tree.
Original artwork: 12” x 10” (305mm x 254mm) Acrylic on box canvas, painting is continued around 1.5-inch box frame.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.

A young stag is enticed away from his safe haven in the forest by two mischievous but foolish fairies. This is no ordinary young stag, and his loss will bring some serious trouble down upon their young heads from the Elders.

Original artwork: 16” x 12” (305mm x 406mm) Acrylic on canvas frame.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.

A Dodo finds himself in an ornamental and quite unusual walled garden deep in the Kent countryside. He has been alone for a very long time so he is delighted to see a familiar face in one of the topiary bushes.

Original artwork: 16” x 12” (305mm x 406mm) Acrylic on canvas frame.

Not currently for sale as preparing for exhibition.

Prints for sale below.