Hey, so I began out with acrylics and had been doing so for a long time during my university days, and I was hesitant to switch to oil paint for a variety of reasons. 

During my undergraduate days, I thought of oil paints as an elite painting medium, but it was more because I didn't know how to use them and was afraid of the unknown.

Then I managed to face my fears and use oil paints and tackle my dread of them towards the end of my university degree. 

The fundamental idea behind "facing fear" was also that, I was learning how to use glazes and felt that it was a tough medium for me to utilise, so I had to conquer my fear and remember that I was learning and that mistakes are okay. As a result, I now use oils in my professional work.. 

I've also learned to like the ocean, and I've always felt an unspoken bond with it. Which has a connection to oil painting in terms of fear, but it isn't holding me back; rather, it is similar to the situation with oil painting in terms of overcoming my fear and breaking new ground and enjoying the treasure within the ocean, and not being overwhelmed by the fear, but facing it and becoming better for it, as with the oil painting.

This is why I have a strong connection to both oil painting and the ocean, and why the ocean is my subject matter. 

As a result, my paintings engross me as I paint them, and I imagine myself in the ocean scapes I create.

My creative path can not be talked about without naming two special and influential Artist who inspired me to one take the plunge and two to see the moments as an artist. 

The first is my Grand father Michael Jon Taylor who through out his career had shown me what it takes to be a professional Artist and helped me develop and encouraged me at a young age.

A life moment was when my Grandad attended my graduation ceremony at Southern Cross University.

The Second is an unbelievably generous and brilliant artist who taught me how to see the moments in life as an artist and to look for the colour and see things they are and not how I perceive them. 

This Artist and true friend is none other than Mark Waller. 

To both of these amazing artist I owe a great deal, I only hope I do them justice as I carve out my own art journey.

Dylan