The Grose
I use sketching and drawing en plein-air as a prerequisite for all my studio paintings. I may then do further studies in studio before commencing a canvas. Charcoal is my preferred medium, easy to carry and use, though occasionally I choose pastels or acrylic.
Sketching and drawing helps me implant the scene in my mind. Many of these works form the bases of larger oil or acrylic studio paintings - as the one below, whilst the remainder are simply testament to a very pleasant day of sketching! The Grose as my work-in-progress, the drawing and sketching now complete and I am in the midst of painting the work in oils.
The above work-in-progress is The Grose Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, 2026, charcoal on paper, 100 x 50 cm.
The above work is The Grose Valley Study, Blue Mountains National Park, 2022, charcoal on paper, 40 x 20 cm.
This drawing above was in preparation for my current painting – a 100 x 50 cm. oil painting. Also in preparation was the sketch below plus a smaller work of the Blue Mountains entitled Porters Pass - a practice-run re palette - that you can see on this website.

The above work is The Grose Valley Study, Blue Mountains National Park, 2022, charcoal on paper, 40 x 20 cm.
This drawing above is preparation for my next painting – a 200 x 100 cm. oil painting. Also in preparation was the sketch below plus a smaller work of the Blue Mountains entitled Porters Pass - a practice-run re palette - that you can see on this website.
I have a long and joyful association with the Blue Mountains, filled with memories of the mountains and specifically bushwalking the Grose Valley. This new work is a celebration of one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring valley in the world.
Stay tuned!