Watercolour painting For me the joy of painting is being with the subject, working on site the whole time, absorbing the shapes, smells and colours and observing the changing light and shade. My work begins with a rough sketch in pencil then using my pen I become engrossed in the subject and the lighting. The fineness of the lines allows me to scribble in great detail and at this stage the picture could stand alone in black and white. This process can take many hours and it is after this that I paint in watercolour. Using a heavyweight, handmade rough watercolour paper, this gives the paint its movement and texture. In my early years, I was privileged to work as an artist at Ightham Mote, a National Trust Property in Kent, where I completed many paintings and several etchings. My commissioned work has also given me entry to many beautiful country houses and historic buildings. Although I include much detail in the paintings, it is freely expressed and not measured or photographic.