En plein air oil painting made on reclaimed cedar from my grandfather’s workshop. Framed in Australian hardwood float frame.

33x15cm

Painted in one session, with my easel and feet propped in the cool running water.

My plein air painting practice underpins everything I do in my studio work. It is a ritual I am dedicated to, carving out time to nurture my own relationship with the landscape. Plein air teaches my eye to understand the construction of the land, to know the shapes and colours that are required to properly communicate what elements are most important to me. It’s training my hand to express what my eye sees - to be efficient and not superfluous in mark making and materials. When other aspects of my work at times require effort and commitment, plein air will always be a practice I completely enjoy, approach with no expectation, and come away from equally exhausted and rejuvenated.

- recent statement for Open Air exhibition of plein air paintings at Brunswick Street Gallery.