This painting was inspired by reading Sara Gruen's book "Water for Elephants".  There is an elephant hidden in the stakes which confine it, and the knots in the wood have turned into eyes filled with resignation at the life it leads.

As part of my college course I have to create a blogpost saying what it is about my home town that inspires my creativity.

I think it is being near the river.  Living near a river frees the spirit, lets it expand and become creative. The air is fresh and clean and different.

Elsie

My next piece of work is Elsie, a very old lady with failing eyesight, who bravely struggles to read.