Returning to the canvas: A journey in abstract painting

For as long as I can remember, art has been a quiet thread running through my life — sometimes bold and vibrant, sometimes tucked away beneath the surface.

I studied art after leaving school, but life took me in other directions: a 35-year career in government, and nearly two decades as CEO of a charity supporting girls in Sri Lanka. These roles shaped me deeply, but the pull of creativity never left.

Two years ago, I returned to painting with intention — not just as a pastime, but as a practice. Now, I work primarily in abstract acrylic landscapes, drawing inspiration from the places I’ve travelled and the moments that stay with me long after the journey ends.

My Process

My work begins with presence. I paint as I observe — not just what’s in front of me, but what it evokes.

A curve of coastline.
The hush of dusk over water.
The way blues and greens shift in light and shadow.

I’m always drawn to water — its movement, its mystery, its ability to reflect and distort. Many of my pieces begin with photographs I’ve taken while travelling, but they evolve into something more intuitive: a response, a memory, a mood.

I don’t aim to replicate a scene. Instead, I distill it — into texture, colour, and emotion.

A Natural Palette

My palette leans toward the natural:
🟦 Deep indigos
🟩 Soft teals
🌿 Mossy greens
🟠 Occasional bursts of ochre or coral

I want my work to feel like a breath of fresh air, a moment of stillness, or the quiet thrill of discovery.

What to Expect Here

This blog will be a space where I share not just my paintings, but the stories behind them — the places that inspired them, the process of creating, and the reflections that come with making art later in life.

Whether you’re an art lover, a fellow traveller, or someone curious about creative reinvention, I hope you’ll find something here that resonates.

Thank you for joining me at the beginning of this new chapter.
There’s much more to come.