Artist's Blog Don’t Hang a Label on Me

OK what do I mean by this title?

Read my thoughts in this artist's blog

Breaking the Box

As an artist, I often find others trying to define or compartmentalise what I do. But for me, creativity is about exploration—pushing boundaries, experimenting with styles, and discovering new ways to express an idea or emotion.

Labels can be limiting. Once you're boxed into a particular style, it can subtly restrict your vision. I believe that to grow as an artist, you have to stay open—to possibility, to change, to evolution.

When I first began painting, I worked mainly in watercolour. If I’d defined myself strictly as a "watercolourist," I might never have picked up acrylics or explored mixed media. That would have closed the door on so many incredible creative experiences.

Now, people often ask: "Are you a landscape artist or an abstract artist?" The truth is, I’m both—and more. Why should we have to choose?

Creativity doesn’t live in a box. And neither do I.

Misty Abstract Watercolour

There are days when I’m drawn to detail—especially when painting my beloved trees. I enjoy getting lost in the textures and forms, capturing the quiet beauty of nature one brushstroke at a time.

But on other days, I feel the need to let go completely and embrace abstraction. Lately, I’ve been exploring abstract expression through watercolour, and it’s been an exciting new direction. The piece on the left is one of these recent experiments and is now sold. There’s something truly freeing about working this way—watching colours flow and interact, allowing intuition to lead the process. I’m just at the beginning of this journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

My latest series of paintings I have called Landscape meets Abstract, that should test the "labellers"!

With these artworks, inspired by a visit to Ladye Bay in Somerset, I am using layers of acrylics applied with palette knives.

Rock Formation at Ladye Bay

The rocks here were amazing and the landscape itself felt like a living abstract painting.

Nature is such an inspiration, and I may experiment with various mediums creating several artworks from one image such as that on the right.

When you really look closely at those rocks, how many colours can you see? What shapes begin to emerge? I saw not just layers of geology, but faces, patterns, even stories in stone.

As an artist I am always looking for new ways to describe what's around us.

Challenge yourself and try something different!

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you must change medium or style. If you are happy where you're at then that is fine but don't be afraid to experiment and move out of your comfort zone, after all what's the worst that can happen?

I hope this has inspired you to try something different and cast off those "labels".

Paint from the heart, paint what you love and never be afraid to explore new paths.

I would love to hear about your art journey, let me know what you're experimenting with,

Happy painting !