David paints semi-abstract sea and landscapes in oil on canvas inspired by nature, the changing seasons and the effect upon the contours of the coastline. Building an atmosphere through texture and mark-making with no reference to any specific point of place, he prefers the viewer to read into the work and allow it to take them on a journey of imagination and discovery. David explains: “The idea behind the exhibition is for the viewer to be taken on a journey to an imagined space or place from memory, providing escapism particularly in the current climate we find ourselves experiencing. “The work is a mixture of oil and mixed media. Some work involves layers of paint being applied in layers and scraped back to reveal hidden paint colours, a process that takes time and patience. “I am particularly inspired by the faded walls found in the Mediterranean and weathered coastlines. “I have previously exhibited at the Oxmarket but am looking forward to the revised gallery layout which I feel will appeal to people. I am grateful to the gallery for providing me with this opportunity and feel that after the last 12 months there is appetite to both exhibit and view art again. “Despite working 41 years for BT, in that time I always harboured a dream of being a full-time artist. “I have been painting seriously for the last ten years and now that I have retired early, I intend to pursue this dream and expand my passion. “My influences range from the works of Turner to Mark Rothko and Gerhard Richter. I have been exhibiting at numerous art fairs across London and the south of England.” davidmeekingart.com