CHOOSING A LANDSCAPE

Having done many landscape sketches, we gain a much clearer idea of what subject matter appeals to us the most: large vistas, urban landscapes, painting by the water. It is important to feel inspired and excited about what is in front of us. When I lived in Italy I was always able to find the perfect hilltop town or pathway to a Tuscan villa. The more I paint, the more I realise it is better not to seek the subject matter but try to make the painting out of light and dark patterns, the colours and the paint effects. Obviously it is wonderful when you have an iconic subject matter, but I prefer to paint trees and water. The painting works in spite of the subject matter, not because of it.