I use a canvas that has an existing image on it – either from a shop/charity shop, or one of my macro photography canvasses. 

I enjoy this as it introduces an element of randomness where I use the shapes and forms to determine the direction of the painting.  Therefore, automatically it becomes more intuitive and instinctive. 

I now embrace mistakes as they lead me somewhere I wouldn’t have gone otherwise. This is highly enjoyable and somewhat meditative.

Through my interest in Zen and eastern philosophy I learnt the concept of  “wabi-sabi” an aspect of which seems to encompass my process – the art of the spontaneous or controlled accident.

This, like most Zen concepts, isn’t easy to put into words. I see it as a way of being in “the zone” when i am in a flow state and acting on instinct and intuition – the world fades and I am in the present moment of now – this is the state I aim to live my life in but is more easily achieved during being creative or in meditation practice.  This seems to be how children paint. I aim to have fun and see where the muse takes me –  which is a constant surprise.