Foothpaths & Folklore
Paths and tracks hold so many secrets and memories, I often think about the Stone Tape Theory and how the ghosts of the place haunt our imagination. It's no wonder our ancestors created monsters and gods, who came to life through repeated telling. The folk stories tell us to be cautious, keep to the path, keep away from the woods but I also see the beauty of the light bouncing off the hills and chalk paths, and the shadows cast by trees.
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We found a way Gouache, pencil & pastel on paper A2 A Spring footpath in Brinksole Heath, above Petworth. There are numerous small paths meaning you can take a last minute decision on which way to go.Carelessly wandering here, you can get lost, briefly, in place and thought and time. This painting is on view and for sale in Garden Gate interiors in Petworth. Please email or call them for details. |
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watercolour, gouache & pastel on paper A3 - not currently available for sale Walking with my dog along a narrow footpath, once a main road. The early morning sunshine makes the trees and hedgerows glow. My dog senses the foxes and rabbits that haunted the path at night. |
The stone tape Watercolour & pastel on paper A3- not currently available for sale A sunken lane where the old main road once ran. Walking there makes me think about the stone tape theory, how ghosts are a record from the past imprinted on the stone or other material of a place. Like an old VHS, the place replays events. I imagine horse and carts, people walking, or hidden highwaymen. The road is haunted by foxes and rabbits now. |
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Both are true 2025 watercolour, gouache & pastel on paper A3- not currently available for sale Darkness and light along an old footpath. The signpost points the way or maybe leads us astray. The post reads Indrid, a nod to an American cryptid and the vulnerability of being out in nature, even when tamed. The path is beautiful and unsettling, both are true. The painting was exhibited in Summer/Autumn 25 exhibition at the Gallery at Horsham Museum. |
 Up there 2025
Watercolour & pastel on paper A2 - £375 unframed £490 framed incl delivery One of the footpaths on the Serpent Trail above Petworth, West Sussex. Nature creeps in around edges of the man-made path. The trees loom overhead, guardians of the woods and an arch protecting from the elements. |
Into the woods 2024 watercolour, pastel & pencil on paper A3 - £190 unframed £275 framed incl delivery A footpath winding up into the woods above Petworth, West Sussex. The track leads into darkness of the woods, passing a metal clad barn that rattles in the breeze. The painting was exhibited in Summer/Autumn 25 exhibition at the Gallery at Horsham Museum. |
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What is there 2024 Watercolour & pastel on paper A3 - £190 unframed £275 framed incl delivery A woodland path crosses from open heath into darkness. The tamed path is overhung with bracken and sweet chestnut trees. What lives in the edges? Animals, mythical creatures? We can imagine what is there. The painting was exhibited in Here + Now at the Oxmarket Contemporary, Chichester in Dec 24 & the Gallery at Horsham Museum Summer/Autumn 25 exhibition. |
It's there 2024 Watercolour, gouache & pastel on paper A3 - £140 unframed £205 framed incl delivery A walk through a late harvest field, the sky and route through the trees threatens rain and possibly more. But before that the sun breaks through highlighting the fading gold of the field. |
Where are you 2024 Watercolour & pencil on paper A3 - £190 unframed £275 framed incl delivery The shady path up towards the woods. The bright light creates deep shadows. My little dog ran away briefly as I walked. The beautiful day overshadowed by anxiety as I called for her. |
Homeward 2024 Watercolour & pencil on paper A3 - £190 unframed £275 framed incl delivery A footpath leading down from Brinksole Heath to Byworth village in West Sussex. The track winds its way down from the woods to the road from Petworth. The painting was exhibited in Summer/Autumn 25 exhibition at the Gallery at Horsham Museum. |
Alone not lonely Watercolour & charcoal on paper A2 - £375 unframed £490 framed incl delivery Brinksole Heath, above Petworth. Its a joy sometimes to find yourself alone on the heath. You're never lonely with the all the life around you and a dog by your side. |
The earth says hello 2025
