Cartoons, animation, naïve art and kids drawings form part of the inspiration for my work. I like the way they define life simply (apart from the humour) and can be taken in any direction or fantasy. I try to do absorbing backgrounds then add an idea from a story, image or topic that concerns me at the time over the top. The resulting paintings portray what is in my mind without having to explain them.

Marian Tate, oil painting, 'Tower Hill'