I begin a picture by laying down the textures first and then consider how to develop the painting in terms of colour. I start with collage rather than paint, and so immediately there are surface contrasts that will influence the way that a painting is developed.
I like to begin applying the Gesso to Mount Board in a fairly spontaneous way. I apply Gesso using a variety of tools and techniques, creating random shapes, movement and textures with the Gesso. Although, I will have a particular place or scene in mind before I begin, I do not allow this to dominate the painting process.
I mainly use acrylic inks, which add to the vibrancy and intensity of colour that can be achieved. I use the Acrylic inks rather like using water colour, building up the picture with layers of washes over my textures. I love them!