Does the variance of light from season to season, and the changing sunrises and sunsets, affect your plans? Sunrise and sunset are key times to capture a view, and both were spectacular during my most recent visit. In the evenings in particular, the light on the buildings become a vibrant orange, it really is something else. There are certain avenues that you can catch the sunset coming straight down in between the buildings, I particularly like to capture that. Sunrise is just as impressive; early morning light brings everything to life, with nice crisp sharp colours. What are your best memories of NYC? My best memory happened during my latest trip. I had set up an easel at 5:30am in Times Square and was painting the morning’s first rush at about 8am when an ABC network television crew from Good Morning America filmed me painting, meaning I was broadcast live to their viewers. I had a crowd of people gathered around watching as I worked, and that was a special moment. I also distinctly remember the first time I saw my favourite Jackson
Pollock painting at MoMA. I had admired it for so long, it felt very surreal to be viewing the real thing. I think that’s what New York is all about, a timeline of great and special moments. For this collection, how many locations did you revisit, and how do you feel your technique of capturing them has evolved since your earlier visits? Obviously I am always on the lookout for new angles and locations, but I always go back to the same spots. I like to revisit places I have painted previously to see how they have changed over time in this ever-evolving landscape. They feel like old friends; I like to check in with them, and see how they’re doing. Given that my practice has evolved hugely, it provides a wonderful contrast to view my earlier sketches alongside my most recent work. I have changed my medium over time, from canvas to aluminium, and my application has become much more refined. I think every artist should move on with their own style. I paint a lot - every day - so I have many opportunities to experiment with different techniques. If I like it, I’ll stick with it for a while until the next technique develops, and that’s how my work continuously evolves.
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