I had the idea to make a series of drawings that followed one of the chalk streams that runs through Dorchester. Aware that I rarely make work close to home, it was an opportunity to explore a landscape so familiar to me. Numerous sketches allowed me to quickly respond to a variety of places and views before turning to larger sheets of paper and working freely with an assortment of materials. I was conscious of holding back from painting, in order to give me the chance to take more risks and push the work to what felt like a breaking point. Having spent the month in what seemed like endless dark, and colourless days there was a dramatic change as a blanket of snow settled. I quickly responded and painted before it all disappeared .

A Winters Day by the River Frome oil on board 61x81cm