Abstract Expressionism is a post-World War II art movement that originated in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It is renowned for breaking away from traditional styles of painting to pursue a new means of expressing emotional and visual freedom. But what marks out abstract expressionism from figurative expressionism?

Emphasis on Process and Expression: One of the defining characteristics of Abstract Expressionist paintings is the emphasis on the process of creation and the artist's emotional state. The act of painting became as important, if not more so, than the final product. My hope is to evoke an emotional reaction and an instinctive connection.

Spontaneity: Many Abstract Expressionists emphasised spontaneity and used improvisation techniques, allowing their subconscious to take control. Jackson Pollock's "drip paintings" are a prime example.

Large Scale: These artworks often possess a monumental scale, reinforcing their impact and the artist's emotional intensity. This is typical of my style too, rarely are my works less than a metre in length.

Non-representational Imagery: Though not always the case, many works from this movement are non-objective or non-representational, focusing on colour, shape, and form rather than depicting a realistic subject. The beginning of my paintings often start abstract, fluid and chaotic — sometimes they remain abstract, and sometimes they become more figurative, like my original coastal works.

Bold Colour and Texture: Vibrant, intense colours and a rich texture often characterise Abstract Expressionist paintings. The artists would layer paint, scrape it off, and use various tools to create diverse textures. Through the years of experimentation, and pushing boundaries, I have discovered creative ways to apply paint — rarely is a brush my go-to tool. Stretching, scraping, tipping and tilting enable me to capture the light on the land or sea. I am obsessive about capturing that one moment in time.

Individualism: Each artist had a unique style within the broader movement. While Pollock dripped paint onto his canvases, Willem de Kooning, for example, was known for his aggressive brushwork and distorted representations of the female form.

Use of the Entire Canvas: The entire surface of the canvas often becomes active, without a clear focal point. This all-over approach to composition means that every part of the canvas is equally significant. For me, the white space on a canvas has as much purpose and meaning as the oils and acrylics used.

Influence of Surrealism: Many artists within the Abstract Expressionist movement were influenced by Surrealism, particularly the idea of accessing the subconscious.

Existential Influence: Post-WWII, existentialist philosophy became influential. The art of this period reflects themes of angst, tragedy, and the human condition.

Two Main Sub-Styles:

- Action Painting: As exemplified by artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, this sub-style emphasizes the physical act of painting. The canvas is often laid on the ground, and the artist interacts with it from all sides.

- Colour Field Painting: Artists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman typify this style. It focuses on large fields or blocks of colour to evoke mood and emotion.

While these are some of the defining features of Abstract Expressionism, it's crucial to note that it was a diverse movement with a wide range of artists who didn't always fit neatly into these categories. Each artist brought their unique perspective and methodology, contributing to the rich tapestry of the movement.