I am fortunate enough in that the things I love to paint are right in front of my eyes everyday. The hairs on the back of my neck still stand on end every time I see an old ‘Gadgie’
I love the movement of the street drunk; however he remains a difficult subject to paint – never staying still for any length of time. The real skill comes in trying to capture the just off centre stance of these vertically challenged individuals. The gossiping old ladies standing on street corners, the tired old guy wandering home after a long hard day at work and the wee dog cocking its leg against the street corner are all appealing and interesting to me. I see them all as different choreographed parts in a sort of street ballet.
One of my prize possessions is the oldest, ricketiest, battered bike complete with leather saddle and rusty springs. I bought the antique (I use the term loosely) at a second hand shop for the princely sum of £30.
It is a priceless prop that features in a great number of my paintings.
