This is me and one of my oldest friends the artist David Dawson. Known for being long time assistant to Lucian Freud . We were at the Royal College of art together. 1987/89.. David is one of my dearest and closes friends and my favourite person to talk about painting with. He gave me some great advice years ago , he said “Paintings not just about painting but it’s also about waiting” Being patient is so important with art.. especially painting .. Knowing when to tart and when to stop.. knowing when to think and most of all understanding and knowing when it’s finished. Not to be afraid to let go or destroy.. Painting is not about picture making Not for me.. for me it’s a release of my emotions . That’s why I only paint when I feel like it. If I don’t do it when I feel like it .. Then I become ill. Sort of paralysed in my mind. Deeply disturbed and unhappy. Today is the LAST day of my show at Carl Freedman gallery Margate., The work you will see there is made after having cancer and life changing surgery. The work you see in this show is my internal struggle with death and fighting to stay alive. It is by far the most concise and perfect show I have ever made. In terms of communication it’s spot on. I will be talking about my Journey to death today at the Carl Freedman gallery at 5pm . I hope the sun shines. I love you David .. this photo says everything about our friendship over the last 35 years. Photo @robertdiament @davidelidawson