‘I am driven to paint most days, mainly in oil, hoping always to paint boldly, with a decent sized brush or occasionally a palette knife, to convey the excitement I feel by the colour around us, even under grey skies. I work from life, directly onto board or canvas, or via sketches and studies that I’ve made while exploring the coast or inland. I also adore painting wild flowers or sparkly fresh produce for a still life. If working a painting up in my studio, the music I listen to often influences the energy of the final work. My dream is to offer a more joyful and colourful alternative to the woeful news offered to us daily. No academics - just my total love of and connection with the natural world, a powerful awareness of the tender and transient beauty of living things …as well as a deep seated need to create.' Claire Lovell, September 2024