Lydia is intrigued by the way a painting explores our emotional response to a place, consciously or subconsciously. There is an anxiety in the first marks, and then a quiet excitement as the work takes on its own character. She finds things out when she is painting, about the geography and nature of the place, but also about herself. She is inspired by the long, flat landscapes of South Norfolk, the changing seasons and the subtlety of colour, and, of course, the amazing expanse of sky. She always begins with sketching and painting outside, and sometimes that is enough, but also returns to the studio to refine and add. It can be from memory in an intuitive way, or from sketches and photos.  She works mainly in acrylic, with pastel and charcoal.

She has found time lately to pursue an old love, coming at it afresh and energetically, with less angst or ego.

‘ Creative work is a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got’.     Steven Pressfield.