Litha, named for Midsummer, the day she was finished, the summer solstice is a time for joy, celebration and merriment with loved ones.

Painted in inks, lush watercolours and milton bleach, with a blushing marbled silver moon.

Liz got in touch by email and together we worked out what kind of feeling, palette and size that she wanted her piece to be. She knew the space that she wanted it to live in and sent me photos so that I could get a feel. I offered advice, but ultimately the decisions were in her hands. 

Next, I sketched some loose compositions, experimented with colours and got to work. Due to the organic nature of the materials that I work with, my paintings evolve rather than follow a rigid plan; the ink reacts spontaneously and unpredictably as colours dispel and scatter, transgressing its initial boundaries. Although I compose my work carefully and consciously I allow the forces of nature to seize the process and lead it most alchemically. 

When it came to choosing the gilding, we chatted and agreed that the intricate swirls of marbled silver leaf were perfect. I ordered from my trusted supplier www.goldleafsupplies.com

After gilding, the leaf was gently varnished so as to resist wear, tear and tarnish that might occur from the natural oils in our skin touching it. I tend to frame my paintings unglazed because of the rich depth and textural qualities of the raw canvas that I choose to paint on.

Framing was undertaken by my local independent framers www.artyfactsbromsgrove.co.uk  I provided photos and samples of possible mouldings to be handled and compared to my clients interior styling. An open grain walnut frame was chosen for Litha to bring out the tones and not overpower the subtleties. 

Litha is a lighter palette than usually appears in my painting, full of mellifluous warmth, calm earthy neutrals and rich moss tones. Scattered points of light illuminate the sky, swooping tendrils connecting the elements whilst the moon calmly rests, sated and full, upon a glimpse of a horizon nestled between soft dunes.

Memories, intuition and daydreams have mingled in this painting to create a warm honeyed evening elsewhere.

Let the light in.

I like to see my commissions through, from heart to home, and it was a lovely chance to meet my client when we travelled down to deliver Litha and install her on the wall; the commission circle was complete.