I use my photographs and rough sketches to rekindle emotions and feelings of a particular scene; sometimes I even scribble odd words or phrases down to help this process. I like to paint my canvases flat and have them a couple of feet from the floor so I don't have to bend over too far. I feel quite energized by the blank canvas; it's a mixture of excitement and anticipation - similar to the feeling you get when you 'take off' on a blank canvas of a wave. I don't sketch anything out; instead I simply dive in feet first with huge brushes dipped into large pots of paint and drip on an outline before throwing the paint on. I love the freedom and am so pleased with the effects of this technique. I build up each layer with broad brushstrokes and drip colour to create form until I can sense the atmosphere I want. To keep the piece fresh I try and stop before it gets too fussy. I value the opinion and feedback from my partner Alex as we have often been to the places together and our moods and views are often represented in the pieces. I paint most days and try to discipline myself to regular hours but it doesn't always work out that way. The studio does have a music system but it doesn't seem to affect my paintings whether I listen to music, the news or a play on radio four; sometimes silence is nice. I try to finish on time so I can spend time with the girls as we always try to have a family dinner together. I'm not a late night person really but sometimes we watch a movie or have friends over in the evenings.