Artist Statement
I chose this series because it was the one with several breakthroughs.  
M1-6 were completed and I set off on our boat for five months cruising with my set of 4 x4 series to complete, safe on the knowledge that explore and clarify were about to launch, literally and would push me over the line.  

Ocean - Studies from the cockpit

MOVEMENT DIRECTION SHAPE 
Simplicity vs Complexity 

Design Elements are those found in nature: Strata; repetition with variation, geometry and marks.  
in brief: 

Toolbox elements: 
Contrasts: stillness and movement 
Transparency and opacity
Edge variation
Simple vs complex 
 
rectilinear/curvilinear 
Composition: three bears, strata, thirds
Contour drawing and mark making
Colour harmony across the series 



First two pictures  
simplicity vs complexity and the use of symbolism.    I imagine an alien might make such a picture to send back to describe what it’s like here on the blue planet.  

I’ve employed all of the Design toolbox including transparent glazing , sanding, shape making colour harmony, and contrast.  

  Transparent glazes of blues and yellows were layered to capture the drama and separation of land and sea seen from the perspective of a tiny boat.      
These areas of highly glazed colour feel almost “poured” into jug-like vessels such as tea pots or vases.
 I added very simple child-like contour drawings contrasted with complex tools such as the navigation rose.   I’ve used lettering and text to imply culture and human values.  I’m beginning to understand what I need to see in the picture before I know it’s  done.  

In pictures 3and 4 I’ve repeated ideas from pictures 1 -2 - albiet in a controlled almost realistic way.   These two appear simplistic on the first look but there are layers of complexity to be found if you look.   I particularly enjoy the changes to edge quality here and the dynamic lower halves contrasted with the still triangular forms.  Are they sails or mountain ranges along the coast?  Let the viewer decide.  

A limited palette of
Thalo turquoise, quin red violet , quin azo gold and Indian Yellow. 

Slopboard - incorporated into the series by way of shape and composition- shares some of the colour