Starting a new series of paintings is always exciting. You’re never sure what the outcome will be. Although, at the beginning there is something, an idea, colour palette, sketch or subject, they always alter and develop. In my experience, if you stick rigidly to the initial idea the results are never as good and you don’t have as much fun or make new discoveries.

With this series, the idea was to begin with expressive lines inspired by the landscape. Not literal interpretations but more lively and adventurous ones. Lines I could feel as I recalled being “in” the landscape. Lines that flowed and changed direction with characteristics that altered as I worked.

Some areas were sprayed with water to add elements of chance and randomness. Water moves the paint around and makes different marks, none of which you can fully control. This is a wonderful stage as you watch what happens. See how in the first square the water has run down, over the acrylic paint pen line, lifting out paint as it ran across. A new discovery! Serendipity! Artists are lucky to be able to feel the joy of creating in this playful manner. Exploring, experimenting, discovering and generally having a damn good time. Hopefully, viewers of a painting can “feel” this too.

This technique of drawing and starting new paintings is very inspiring and I can barely wait for this layer to dry before I continue. It’s like a hot loaf of fresh homemade bread. You just can’t wait! Can you smell it? The next step uses more skill and judgement. I like the combination of chance and purposefulness!

Having decided on a palette of colours to use, I look for designs that may have been created within each section. From here on, it’s a process of look, pick an area or shape, then a colour, technique and tool to use. All the while being conscious of whether the designs look and feel right. It’s a case of feeling right because you can feel it almost before you can “see” it.

I like to let things “cook” a little between tasks. It’s like a “getting to know each other” bonding time. It may end with me knowing just what comes next or, perhaps, not having a blooming clue! Either way, something new is emerging from somewhere.

See if you can guess what I might do next? The image at the top is a dead give away!

Next time I’ll hopefully show you the finished, named paintings all ready for uploading to the website. Will all six pass muster?!