Having painted the landscape of East London for many years, I had become frustrated with the ever-changing weather. In addition to concerns over my own security whilst working outside for long periods hidden in thick vegetation.
For several years, I had been keen to travel to Italy and following a successful exhibition I, London. I arrived in Rome early spring 2008.
By good fortune, I found accommodation close to the Appia Antica park.
This was to provide me with a subject which linked well with my London works. Various vegetation alongside old brick-work and architectural structures. For much of 2008 and into 2009 I worked only outside.
I felt this is what my work needed I wanted to be as close to the subject as I could be.
Working in Rome, I was able, for the first time to experience the importance of light whilst working on a painting.