Slow Painting and Emotional Resonance in Contemporary Collecting

As the contemporary art world continues to evolve, many galleries and institutions are re-examining what resonates most deeply with today’s collectors. Amid conversations around technology, pace and spectacle, there is a growing appreciation for work that is grounded in craftsmanship, emotional accessibility and lasting presence, paintings that invite connection rather than distraction.

My practice centres on acrylic painting, using flowers submerged in water as a recurring metaphor for emotional depth and resilience. The imagery is intentionally both striking and gentle: bold colour and light draw the viewer in, while the layered surfaces reveal quieter, more reflective narratives over time. Water acts as a symbolic space for emotion, at times heavy, at times luminous, while the flowers continue to grow, suspended yet resilient.

This balance between visual impact and emotional meaning feels increasingly relevant within contemporary gallery contexts. Collectors are often drawn first by colour and composition, yet remain engaged by the story held within the work. Themes of mental health, emotional awareness and inner strength are present, but never didactic; they are offered quietly, allowing viewers to bring their own experiences and interpretations.

In an art market that is slowing and becoming more considered, painting regains a certain intimacy. The physical act of building layers by hand, the subtle shifts in tone and movement, and the time allowed for a piece to unfold all contribute to works that feel personal yet universally relatable. These are qualities I strive to honour in my studio practice, creating paintings designed to live comfortably within both curated exhibition spaces and private collections.

What draws me to galleries such as Clarendon is their ability to champion contemporary work that is both refined and emotionally engaging, work that feels accessible without losing depth. My paintings are created with this viewer relationship in mind: visually uplifting, emotionally thoughtful, and grounded in a sense of care.

As galleries continue to curate work that speaks to human experience with clarity and warmth, I see my practice as aligning naturally with collections that value colour, narrative and enduring emotional connection, offering paintings that hold space not only on the wall, but in the lives of those who live with them.