In April 1969, following 18 months of work in my studio, I had an exhibition of paintings. It was my first one-woman show.

 

Preparing for the exhibition I followed the working pattern that had been encouraged at the Gallery School – developing the subject first in an accurate study drawing, then translating this into a painting – each painting taking a week, or more for larger works.

 

I think my interest in architecture, geometric forms and relationships influenced my approach, and in each painting these aspects, rather than the subject itself, were what interested me most. I chose subjects from around me because I knew no other way to work.

 

When I exhibited these paintings in 1969 and saw them hanging together, my verdict was: this is the best I can do at this particular time; it has been a starting point, but it’s not the direction I anticipate my work will follow in the future.