These paintings are about reminding ourselves to slow down and watch the waves.

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In a world that is increasingly fast-paced and full of distractions, there's a lovely sense of calm and gratitude to be found sitting on the beach looking at the sea (ideally with a flask of tea).​ We can notice the way light shines through a wave as it rises up. We can enjoy the abstract patterns in splashes, perhaps spotting fleeting shapes in them as we do with passing clouds. We can be mesmerised by the previous wave's web-like foam dancing on the water's surface. We can appreciate the sound of the pebbles jostling together as water rushes over them back and forth.

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We may, however, also notice a bottle bobbing along in the water, a wrapper blowing past on the breeze, or a plastic ice cream spoon sitting beside us. It's estimated that over 12 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean every year, including abandoned fishing nets that can dangerously entangle marine life and break down into harmful microplastics. The painting 'Caught in the Wave' features a tangle of colourful fishing net bobbing in the sea - the striking contrast between painting and rope acting as a reminder of the importance of protecting our seas from plastic pollution. 

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This collection of paintings is currently being exhibited at The Fishing Quarter Gallery on Brighton seafront if you would like to see the pieces in person (11am-7pm 16th-22nd September). You are also invited to get involved in beach cleans from the gallery, and turn some colourful beach-found plastics into works of art yourself.