Primatree by Amanda Bates

These inks and markers seem to be taking your work in new directions - do you think so yourself?

The markers make theirs, certainly, must try them. Lovely work Amanda

I do think so, Robert; they allow me to almagate the linearity of drawing with the colour awareness of paint. I'm using the inks straight from the bottle - generously dripping and dropping and dragging them with the droppers - which affects colour mixing - and the markers are essentially flat colour tools, so again, mixing is affected. I'm finding new ways of dealing with unmixed and partially mixed colour. These are all works that allow for short bursts of work, and popped back on top of a pile-of-things-that-have-been-there-too-long (I wanted to say "shelf", but it wouldn't be accurate, just ideal) - perfect for the Easter Holidays when I'm at home with the children.

I do like this new direction Amanda! For me the abstraction and colour make a much more exciting image than a more realistic tree.

Stunning work, Amanda. You've certainly taken your work to a new level, but the good basics are evident in both your new and old paintings - good composition, palette and spontaneity, all present in spades in this piece.

Exciting stuff. Good solution to that time problem and distractions ....

Luckily I don't have those problems and if I can produce work as good and expressive as this I must get some ink and markers.

Lovely inspired work!

Modern, colourful and very striking Amanda!

Very striking work, Amanda.