French Skipping 2001 - 2002

Leap, (Pink Shirt)

Jump, Dappled Light

Leap,(Arches)

oil on canvas

76 x 61 cm

oil on canvas

68 x 73 cm

oil on canvas

71 x 91 cm

Place aux Herbes

Beyond the Game

Under the Plane Tree

Jump, (Fountain)

oil on canvas

65 x 92 cm

oil on canvas

91 x 91 cm

oil on canvas

91 x 65 cm

oil on canvas

91 x 91 cm

I have lived in Uzès in the South of France since 2001. These pictures are amongst the first that I painted here. My studio was in a loft which overlooks the Place aux Herbes, a large, arcaded space which draws people out of the surrounding maze of mediaeval streets to see what events, markets or entertainments are happening. My daughters and their friends are seen here skipping "à l'élastique", a natural extension for me of the London playground series. In these paintings the surrounding space, and above all the light, enfold the children's game.

Jump, (Against t he Light)

oil on canvas

46 x 38 cm