I arrived with no real plans other than to paint. I'm lucky to have a good visual memory and work mainly from this. Colour is probably more important than form in my work due to its emotional impact. Although I occasionally do drawings or sketches they usually only form the basis of an idea which changes as the work progresses. The work itself dictates its own direction, sometimes this process is obvious and clear, sometimes not. I often work on 2 or 3 pictures in rotation which allows time for new possibilities to emerge.
I have some problems with the concept of "inspiration" and find success usually comes with time and patience though its always a thrill when a painting just happens. Sometimes when I look at pictures I did years before they take me by surprise and I wonder how they arrived. Painting for me is simply what I do. Sometimes frustrating and sometimes magical but always exciting.