When designing stained glass windows a full size drawing is done to guide the making of the window. This drawing is known as a cartoon. Over the years I have come to realize these cartoons are art works in themselves, so I have started to do them on high quality paper using colour fast water colours and charcoal.
An interior designer visiting my studio saw one of my cartoons and commissioned me to complete one in colour for the reception area of the new Prom Country Aged Care facility in Foster. The medium of painting on canvas or paper enables me to create art for spaces that don’t have windows that can be used to display stained glass.
I have continued building my skills in painting by further study. I have a graduate certificate of Fine Art by research from Monash University and have regular tutoring with Susane Gilford who trained at the VCA and lectured at the Art School of South Australia.
My skills as a fine artist extend the craft of stained glass though developing the painterly quality of the brush combined with the confidence and boldness of the lead line. These elements are united with tone to create an evocative sense of light and shade.