From Sketchbook to Canvas: How I Begin a New Painting
For me, the start of a new painting always begins with a flicker of inspiration—an almost dreamlike idea or a fleeting mental image. It might arrive suddenly while walking through the Norfolk countryside or simply observing the natural world. These spontaneous moments of beauty often form the heart of my work.
One recent painting began with the sight of a black and white magpie taking flight from a winter hedgerow thick with red hawthorn berries. In another, a perfectly balanced flock of birds drifted over a distant tree, their movement echoing a quiet rhythm that stayed with me long after. These instances are what spark the first step in my creative process.
Sketching the Vision
To capture the moment, I reach for my sketchbook. I don't overwork the drawing—just a quick doodle to pin down the idea. These sketches aren't meant to be perfect or polished; they serve as anchors to my initial inspiration. I find that keeping things loose at this stage helps preserve the energy and spontaneity that I want to bring into the final painting.
Moving from Sketch to Canvas
From sketchbook to canvas, the transition is intuitive. I don’t meticulously plan every detail. Instead, I let the painting evolve on the canvas itself. My approach to oil painting is fluid and exploratory. I find the form as I go, letting the original inspiration guide the composition but allowing space for it to grow and shift as needed.
From sketchbook to canvas, the transition is intuitive. I don’t meticulously plan every detail. Instead, I let the painting evolve on the canvas itself. My approach to oil painting is fluid and exploratory. I find the form as I go, letting the original inspiration guide the composition but allowing space for it to grow and shift as needed.
Often, I step back from the canvas—sometimes literally—to reassess. I ask myself whether the atmosphere feels right. Am I staying true to the feeling that sparked the idea? This back-and-forth dialogue with the painting is one of my favourite parts of the creative process.
Why I Work in Oils
I love working with oils because they dry slowly, giving me the flexibility to refine, rework, and stay in conversation with the piece for as long as needed. The richness and depth of oil paint also lend themselves beautifully to the natural scenes I love to capture—Norfolk skies, seasonal hedgerows, and birds in motion.
Exploring Norfolk Through Art
Many of my paintings are inspired by Norfolk’s rich, varied landscapes. From coastal views to quiet country lanes, the county offers endless moments of quiet beauty—ideal for any artist seeking connection with nature.
If you're interested in exploring my recent work or learning more about my painting process, you can view my gallery or get in touch here.