About the Artist
I enjoy painting scenes from nature, animals, and everyday moments that catch my eye. Art helps me slow down and connect more deeply with the world around me. My goal is to create work that feels honest — something that brings a quiet moment of joy, calm, or reflection.
I grew up in Scotland, where I developed a lifelong love for birds and the natural world. Though I now live in California, many of the birds I paint are the ones I grew up with — familiar British species that still inspire a sense of home.
I work primarily in oils, painting both still lifes and landscapes. My bird paintings feature small birds paired with simple, everyday objects — scenes that feel peaceful and personal. My landscapes lean more impressionistic and tonalist in style, often exploring subtle light and quiet atmosphere.
Whether I’m painting a blue tit perched beside a teacup or the hush of a fading shoreline, I aim to create images that feel intimate and grounded — small moments worth pausing for.
What Inspires My Work
I’m drawn to the quiet beauty of the natural world — a fleeting shadow across a field, the softness of an animal’s gaze, or the glow of late afternoon light. These small, often overlooked moments fuel my creativity. Each painting becomes an attempt to honor that sense of stillness, memory, and connection.
My Creative Process
My process starts with quiet observation — I walk, I notice, I pause. Ideas often begin as quick sketches or notes, then evolve into layered oil paintings built over time. I work wet into wet — sometimes alla prima, other times in layers — adjusting as the piece reveals itself.
Whether I’m painting from life or memory, I focus on atmosphere and emotional resonance. Light, shape, and subtle shifts in color guide me more than detail. It’s a balance of planning and letting go.
