In the Potting Shed

I love this painting. Often, in the early morning, I sit in the summer house, doors open to the garden, listening to the dawn chorus and drinking coffee as I think about my next work. ‘In the Potting Shed’ is a fusion of all the creative elements of gardening and painting recreating the mysterious and atmospheric feel of my grandfather’s potting shed when I was young. I believe there is something timeless about wood, terracotta and soil that connects us organically to the earth. I started the painting by first creating the shapes and earth shades using burnt umber. Once I was happy with the form, I gradually built up layer upon layer of glazed oil paint until the desired colours, texture and tones were produced. I hope I have conveyed the organic, earthy smell of the potting shed, a retreat for all serious gardeners!