My art practice reflects my passion for drawing and my perpetual interest in nature as a vital and almighty subject matter. Having grown up in rural Ayrshire I see the surrounding countryside as a natural paradise and constant source of inspiration. I am particularly drawn to subjects that have a sculptural quality and I try to focus on their subtleties and distinct characteristics to create something, which encapsulates my initial urge to draw.

When working ‘in situ’ in the landscape I am confronted by the elements; the constantly changing light and the often unpredictable weather conditions. These atmospheric factors help bring my organic forms to life, forcing me to react quickly, bringing a degree of vitality and spontaneity to my drawing.

I work in a variety of scales and media which enables me to react spontaneously and swiftly to the subject matter. There is an immediacy I achieve when using dry materials like pastel and conte, which I cannot get with other media.

I studied drawing and painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee, graduating in 2006. I was awarded the Royal Scottish Academy Landscape Prize at the annual student exhibition and was selected for the RSA John Kinross Scholarship (a three month residency in Florence) in the same year. In October 2007 I received two prizes from the Paisely Art Institute Drawing Competition; the Plein Air Prize (a residency in France) and Miller's City Art Shop Prize. At the beginning of this year I organised an exhibition of my work in Dundee at DJCAD along with three other artists who were also awarded the Kinross Scholarship.