I started this series of semi-abstract 'Aquarium Art' paintings in the autumn of 2019. This new work was a culmination of ideas I'd had 'swimming' around my head for at least 15 years! With the advent of Covid 19 Lockdown and cancelled exhibitions in March 2020, coupled with the pressure on my work schedule being lifted somewhat, I was presented with an opportunity to create and further develop these long-standing ideas.

My Aquarium Art paintings marry my ideas on abstraction (carried over from when I worked as an abstract textile artist in the 1990's) and my more representational style of painting, which focuses on atmospheric backdrop and intense focus on foreground detail.

I have always been interested in creating 'theatre' in 2-dimensional imagery, whether that be on canvas or a textile wall-hanging. I am interested in the visual play of colour, shape, composition and mark to create depth, 3-dimensional illusion, dramatic space, movement and an immersive whole new world. In the same way I aim to create the illusion of being able to step into my painted seascapes and coastal scenery; my Aquarium Art paintings evoke a sense of entering a submerged, watery world, where sweeping colour and brush stroke create the space/theatre for my highly detailed fish to play out the characters within.