The image below is a detail from a large drawing about the impact of technology our mind, body & soul. Do we know what the soul is anymore? Is individuality fading because of technology? In the street, at home, work, everywhere, people stare into mobiles. If they stopped working how would we cope? Have we become the tiny figures in the drawing reaching up for what?
I draw & paint people more than anything else.
What most affects us is invisible. We can't see our emotions & feelings, our happiness, despair, love, hate, rage, but we certainly feel them & their effects in others & ourselves. How emotions appear in our appearances interests me more than appearances alone. People in a group, alone, or in a public or private places is a favourite subject. I rely on the work of other artists & imagination.
I want to know what's happening in society. I value the importance of community & individual freedom which government increasingly ignores. The relentless advance of AI is concerning. But social media gives artists access a wider public than ever before. And people can view art & artists like never before. Getting the balance right will take time.
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Video below - I talk about drawings of past lovers. 'Exuberant' - an exhibition at Tobacco Factory 2018.
Below is a detail from a larger drawing on the impact of technology on our mind, body & soul. Are we aware of it's effects? In the Tower of Babel people went mad.
People can delight, make you think, feel, dance & love, make mischief & music & so much more! They can both please & provoke. Art can do the same.
2026 at Casale di Clio, Tuscany, Italy.
Saturday 29th August - 5th September
A calm place to discover or reconnect with your creativity. Course fully booked.
https://musaclio.com/small-group-art-course-in-tuscany/
Review of 2026 Art Barn Week
We started at 9.30 on Monday morning 29 June
- we start using just pen & ink, if you not sure about what to draw it can help you focus. It can also enhance eye, brain coordination.
- As the week progresses purpose & styles emerge.
- we talk about art history, about looking at art, copying, questioning - for e.g. what does 'like' mean & what is beauty?
- Individuals in a group.
Achievements exceeded expectations.
Dip pen and ink is portable & inexpensive, which matters if you're beginning. It's expressive & versatile for all subjects & styles.
Discovering an unexpected skill in drawing houses.
The concentration & controlled chaos of creation! Just after 9.30am - important to get some solid work done at the beginning of the week.
Below - Art Barn & of finished work by students in 2025 at Casale di Clio.
