Taking Summer Travel Inspiration into the Art Studio
Embracing the Beauty of Kelowna, British Columbia
Summer has always been a time for exploration and inspiration, and this year was no different. I had the pleasure of travelling to two incredible places, each offering its own unique beauty and creative spark.
My journey began in Kelowna, British Columbia, where I spent time with my family. There’s something magical about being in the mountains, overlooking the serene Okanagan Lake. My sister and brother-in-law’s home is perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views that change with the time of day. Whether it was the morning light reflecting off the lake or the vivid colours of the sunset, every moment felt like a living painting. I couldn’t help but take numerous notes, photographs, and mental snapshots that I’m eager to translate into sketches once I’m back in the studio in my own abstract way.
The ever-changing landscape of Kelowna has always inspired me, and this trip was no different. The reflections in the water at sundown, the intense colours of the sky—these are the elements that I find myself drawn to over and over again. In fact, my previous works, Sunset Reflecting B.C. and Sunrise Reflecting B.C., were born from similar moments of awe during past visits. This time around, I’m looking forward to exploring new ways to capture that vivid beauty in my paintings.
Artwork inspired from previous trips to British Columbia
A Creative Journey Through Venice and the Art Biennale
After our time in Canada, we returned to the UK for a brief visit with more family and friends before setting off for Venice—one of my all-time favourite cities. The highlight of this trip was the Venice Art Biennale, an event that transforms the entire city into a celebration of contemporary art. I was lucky enough to experience it with my daughter, who is also an artist, and my sister, who flew back with me from Canada.
This year’s Biennale, titled Foreigners Everywhere, was especially poignant. It tackled themes of migration and the experience of feeling like an outsider—issues that resonate deeply in today’s world. The art on display was both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Roberto Huarcaya’s Cosmic Traces left a lasting impression on me with its exploration of time and space, while Lynda Ourahmane’s installation of doors and fences powerfully conveyed the barriers people face in life. Emmi Whitehouse’s large paintings were another highlight; their beauty and scale were incredibly inspiring.
Finding Inspiration in Every Corner
The Art Biennale wasn’t just a feast for the eyes—it was also a reminder of the power of art to communicate and connect us across different experiences and cultures. Venice, with its rich history and vibrant colours, provided the perfect backdrop for this. I was especially taken by the island of Burano, with its vividly coloured buildings that seemed almost like a living art installation, reflected in the surrounding waters. I’ve already started thinking about how I can bring some of these elements into my work, perhaps through the continued exploration of geometric shapes and Bauhaus influences.
We ended our Venice trip in true James Bond style, with a speedboat ride at sunrise, speeding through the canals towards the airport. It was the perfect, exhilarating end to a trip filled with inspiration and creativity.
Bringing Summer Memories Into the Studio
Now, as I settle back into my studio, I’m excited to begin the process of translating these summer memories into a new collection of paintings. The changing landscapes of Kelowna, the thought-provoking art of the Biennale, and the vivid colours of Burano will all play a role in this upcoming series. I’m looking forward to diving deep into these experiences and seeing how they unfold on the canvas this autumn.