I've been wanting to paint water lilies for a long time. One of my favourite spots is a peaceful little pond in the woods covered by lily pads and blossoming flowers. I've taken so many pictures of this beautiful and tranquil spot, and so finally I'm making it into a painting...

As always, I first draw the image onto the canvas. This is my map where I work out the details. Then I do a quick tonal study in grey tones... This is the underpainting and provides the foundation for the layers of colour to come. At this stage of the painting, the shapes, lines and tones are creating the mood and personality of the painting. With each stage of the painting, the process becomes more and more intuitive, until I feel as if the painting is almost painting itself...