Landscapes.

Rather than a mirror to reflect the world my art is a cue to appreciate it - whether it is the solace of the hills, the energy of the coast or the lifeless hedgerows of winter under a leaden sky. My paintings, although closely observed, are often not a true reflection of the subject. Instead they provide a cue to recall memories – whatever we look at meaning is derived from the content perceived and the memories evoked. So no two people ever see the same landscape in precisely the same way.

I generally use oils on board and occasionally use a base of reinforced plaster of paris to add a texture to my work. The landscapes I return to are the Northumbrian coast, Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, but I also get inspiration from the countryside closer to home. More recently I have found great pleasure in portraiture.

"Reaching the whaleback summit of Pillar was a double exhilaration – first, after the stillness, the buffeting gale, and second the fantastic skyscape. The sea and the Wasdale hills were blotted out by a gigantic curtain of ink-black cloud, topped by a level blanket of white cotton wool. And this blanket, lighted from above by the westering sun, glowed with fire – a rim of gold beneath the blue vault of sky."
^{Extract from Twin Pillars,  November 1977 – A.H. Griffin – A lifetime of mountains, 2005.}

Notes and Updates

Exhibition: 2009. Arts Festival, St Wystan's Church.

Exhibition: 2010. Tenth Biennial Small Picture and Artwork Exhibition.

Following a kind invitation in May to meet Rolf Harris and receive a dedicated copy of his book A Life in Art, I was inspired to complete a private study of the artist based on photos from an invite for the A Life in Art tour. I was pleased with the result so decided to offer it in return as a thank you. On 17 July 2010 I received the book from Rolf and gave my effort in return. It was a real pleasure to meet Rolf and the book is fantastic.