Escaping the City

Into the Woods

For a puppy, Whisky has very strong opinions about cities like London. Whenever we get off the train, she looks at me with big, disappointed eyes and sighs. 

I love London, but since I moved to Tunbridge Wells, I’ve spent a lot of time in the woods. The sound of the birds, the trees swaying in the wind, the crunch of leaves on the ground, watching Whisky bound ahead with her usual uncontainable joy. The world slows down here, and I feel at peace. I want to bring this feeling into my art. 

For a while recently, I have been painting for others—commissions, charity pieces, works that had deep meaning but left little room to just… explore. But nature has always been an inspiration for me, and now it feels like it has been calling me back to myself. Do you ever feel like you need to be outdoors more? Like spending time in the countryside reminds you who you are and what is really important? 

What’s Next?

This April, I’ll be releasing a series of five nudes— and I want them to be inspired by nature. I've decided to paint instinctively again, to let my heart guide me, so I won't be trying to bring any specific element of nature into each piece. Instead, I will spend more time outdoors, research and learn about wild creatures and places, and talk to friends about what they love about our natural world. Then I will see what shows up on the canvas. 

The Waterfall Lady

This lady is the first painting in my new series. Her form is fluid and powerful, her legs above her as she stretches out to claim her space. I didn't even realise until after she was done that she is at once a woman and a waterfall! 

I wonder how nature will show up in the next four paintings, and I can't wait to share this process with you.

If you’re craving a moment to breathe, to step outside, to feel grounded again—I hope you find that space. And maybe, just maybe, my paintings will help you carry a little of that wild, unfiltered beauty back with you.

Until then, Whisky and I will be in the woods!