Keeping things simple and focusing on family life, is always my starting point to circle back to if I’m feeling off kilter.

So too with my art practice… this August was my chance! No big projects, themes or studio work… simply go outside with a sketchbook to my favourite spots on Castlerock coastline.

But not without intention! I wanted to simplify my marks on the page without losing the energy of loose layers of colour, but not overwork which can happen so quickly.

I wanted to edit down what I saw to focus on those big sweeping horizons where sea and land meet, and note down those blocks of late summer colours as the season begins to change. Using pastel pencils in my sketchbook has become a favourite… keeping the drawing in sketch form rather than an over complicated study!

These have given me some fresh ideas for painting back in the studio, but whenever possible keep painting and drawing en plein air coming in to Autumn!

So if you are feeling stuck or just need time outside enjoying nature… picking up a pencil and sketchbook might be a simple reset.