John Morris

John Morris was born in Dublin in 1958 and is mainly self taught.

"I love the Irish landscape, the effects of light, shadows, atmosphere, I make quick sketches in pencil, charcoal or oil. These sketches, along with photographs make up a visual diary which I use as reference material for my paintings. Paintings are sometimes finished in one session, other times it may take two or even three sessions to finish. Most often I will take a large painting 75% of the way and then leave it for a few weeks to dry – this gives me time to think about the painting.

I start with a quick charcoal sketch, working out the composition. I mix the main colours on the palette; these can be adjusted as the painting evolves. Once the main colours are mixed and the composition is worked out I start to paint quickly at first, then slowing as the painting becomes more resolved. Once I have either finished the painting or reached a point where I can go no further I leave it for another day. This approach of working out the composition and colours has the advantage of helping me to paint quickly, then hopefully the work will be fluid, spontaneous and not in any way laboured."