Discovering Beauty in the Ordinary: An Artist's Perspective

Throughout history, beauty has been defined in countless ways by different people—philosophers, scientists, and artists alike. One quote that has always stuck with me is from the impressionist Camille Pissarro, described in this article in New Yorker Magazine as 'the patron saint of December light'

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing...

Camille Pissarro: Femme étendant du linge, Éragny oil on canvas, c. 1887

Staying Authentic

When I first began painting back in 1999, I made a conscious decision to focus on subjects that resonated deeply with me, rather than ones I thought would sell. I wanted to capture the world I knew—the one right in front of me. Despite being told time and time again that this approach wouldn't work and that I'd fail, I’ve never let go of that vision. And I’m glad I didn’t.

Northern Nostalgia

Growing up in a former cotton mill town in Northern England, I was surrounded by a rich industrial heritage. It was woven into the fabric of everyday life. I’d pass these old mill structures on my way to school, only to watch them be torn down as time marched forward. They disappeared, but they never left my mind. Even then, I knew these were the scenes I’d someday revive on canvas—filled with all the nostalgia and emotion they stirred in me.

Captivated by Sodium Light

This fascination with the ordinary led to a ten-year project, Northern Lights. The project became a masterclass in finding beauty in the mundane. A wheelie bin bathed in sodium light suddenly became captivating. So did an abandoned scrapyard, a forgotten street corner, or the comforting sight of terraced houses glowing warmly as their lights flickered on.

The Magic Of Shadow And Light

For me, the interplay of shadow and light is the key to any painting. That’s why I have such an affinity for autumn and spring—the way the light falls during these seasons is magical. However, the long winter months can be a challenge. Venturing out of my studio in the grey gloom of January isn’t always appealing.

Escaping Monotony

During winter, I often rely on the photos and sketches I’ve gathered during other seasons, using them to transform the drab, dreary days into something vibrant, even fantastical. Through painting, I find a way to escape the monotony and invite the viewer into a world that feels otherworldly. It’s easy to take our surroundings for granted. I’ll be the first to admit that a trip to the South of France is high on my list of dream working holidays. But often, we overlook the beauty that’s closest to us. The familiar. The everyday.

Appreciating the Present Moment

Learning to find beauty in the mundane is a practice of mindfulness. It forces us to be present, to see what’s in front of us. Whether it’s a streetlamp flickering on or the way shadows fall across a concrete wall, these small moments of beauty are everywhere if we slow down enough to notice.

As Vincent Van Gogh said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”