In his own words, Simon’s work is inspired by “ the wildness and elemental, primordial intensity of the wild spaces which lie above the peaceful Lakeland valleys. Rock, snow and ice are some of my favourite motifs, likewise the feeling of being on a high hill looking down on the valleys below.
Simon’s paintings are inspired by the solid immovable motifs the artist returns to continually, often rebuffed by the elements, but always to be discovered afresh in a different season or mood, “Crag, rock, the wilderness of the high fell which quietly awaits discovery”.
Simon’s journey as an artist began as a student, copying the Old Masters before progressing to original paintings of his own. Simon is influenced by the Romantic Artists of the 19th century such as Turner and the English Watercolourists, but also the Impressionist painters. The background of his works are often made up of thousands of tiny dots and marks which Simon terms micro impressionism.
