Paint fascinates me. There’s something magical about the way it evokes images, memories, emotions, light and atmosphere. A single brushstroke that captures something recognisable but simultaneously looks like an ordinary brushstroke is my favourite thing when looking at art.

As my art journey has evolved, I’ve become more adventurous with gesture and texture, embracing the physicality of paint and its power to communicate the essence of my subjects. People tell me that they admire the sense of movement in my work and this comes across both my dance and nature-inspired creations. I’m constantly exploring ways to create texture and convey emotion.

Music and movement are a key part of my process. I paint what I feel, working from observation, memory, imagination and intuition.

I love sunshine and warm weather and try to make the most of plein air opportunities when I can. Most of my flower paintings are created in my Otley courtyard garden. Yorkshire inspires me because it has spectacular clouds, soulful open spaces, and warm-hearted people.

Alongside my art life, I am a design academic, specialising in typography and graphic communication. I’m an Associate Professor in the School of Design at the University of Leeds. Teaching creative skills for design and research is a different kind of creative challenge to pursuing your own practice.