Artist Statement:
While I do have what could be called a conventional studio space most of the paintings that I make now are done outside, in the open, and on-site in a landscape environment. The interior studio space is primarily used for preparation, review and storage of these images that are worked almost exclusively outside. So it could be said then that my real studio is the environment of the region where I live, currently the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

Working this way presents both challenges and opportunities. The difficulties are the variable qualities of weather, light, wildlife, and the occasional over-inquisitive casual observer. A landscape is rarely exactly the same on consecutive days. The benefits are however an intense and sustained encounter with my environment and the chance to be continually surprised by it. Finally there is the possibility of making images that speak with authority and authenticity about the experience that stimulated them. Ken Smith 2007