"Recently I climbed down the many steps of the Grand Canyon at Blackheath. It was a hot summers day and the roaring sound of rushing water promised a cool experience. The foliage changed from eucalyptus to ferns to moss. Deep within the valley the gently flowing creek, wet ground, ferns and ancient rocks created a timeless world, a glimpse into the past. Despite the modern paving steps that make the walk easy, it felt untouched by humans. Canyon walls towered overhead, sometimes closing in as the path lead through tunnels. Despite a passing storm, the warm summer sunlight filtered through tall tree foliage and the air was cool on my hot day. 

In my work, exposing the deep colours that appear in the dark, shadowed recesses is one challenge. Revealing the light bouncing between walls is another. The water both reflects and absorbs the light, and so becomes luminous. And the misty early start was pure magic. So typical of the upper Blue Mountains.

I enjoy the texture of palette knife painting, and sometimes I contrast that with flat colour, applied with a brush. I let the scene dictate the tools… and the hues!"