I discovered painting during a recent course of chemotherapy, whilst grappling with a serious illness. I’ve wanted to try painting since childhood, and finally bought myself some oil paints and canvases and got started. I really enjoyed the pure escapism and became so self-absorbed that the hours floated past without worry about my condition and how I was feeling. I made me feel empowered to pull through and survive this awful illness.

The places I painted were where I wanted to be - I wanted to express the emotions that were in me at the time. I have a natural affinity with water and being on, around and in water inspired many of my paintings.

The countryside also reflects my emotions and I am fascinated by the sky and the constantly changing weather. Many of my paintings depict real places, taken from my camping trips around the UK.