At it’s heart I believe this project is a celebration. A celebration of art and painting, inspiration and influences, of being open to learning and new experiences.

Thomas Moran has already been like a teacher to me, he’s already given me a painting lesson. I’ve looked at the way he uses paint to evoke an experience. It is my notion that by seeing the sources of his great works I will get the second half of the lesson not just about painting but also the true nature of his art.

This will be the first major exhibition of my paintings in my home town of Bolton, after working as a professional artist for sixteen years, to have my paintings seen alongside those of such a major influence on my work makes the whole project very special to me.

The Research Trip will take place from the 2nd – 16th June 2013.

The Exhibition of work resulting from the research will be on view at Bolton Museum and Library Services from March – November 2014