Shifts in Time: Summer 2026

Shifts in Time: Summer 2026

The subcategory **Shifts in Time** falls under the category **Hidden Kingdoms, Shifting Worlds**. Individual artworks do not have titles, as they are part of a larger collection of paintings organised by category and subcategory.

Magic happens unexpectedly, conjuring up notions of liberation as the painting evolves. The bond between the materials and how it’s applied is best left alone to materialise when I’ve stepped away, which is key to the element of surprise. Then, I look at what’s happened and respond.  Painting is a reactionary dialogue that has developed over years of exploration and experimentation. A painting results from a dialogue between the artist, the applications and the time spent on the work in progress. The space and conditions of the work are also key elements. It’s a tried-and-true method that’s been developed over time. It’s a bit like the story of the alchemist who measures and mixes the right amount of source material and leaves the room to let the magic happen, in darkness or in light.

The work explores tensions between chance and control, focusing attention on detail—from the choice of processes and subjects to the materials used. The perspective—whether grounded in art practice, exploration, landscape, environment, or a general curiosity about life—remains rooted in personal experience. Ultimately, painting and drawing are the only reliable means to make sense of who I am and how I exist in the world.

The work also examines the painting’s nature by tracing its origins and sources. Dr Richard Daniel of the CBCB offers his appraisal of the project *Hidden Kingdoms, Shifting Worlds*. A selection of works is displayed in the media gallery and can be viewed in more detail using the links below and in the homepage slideshow. Additional paintings from the collection are available for viewing at the CBCB by appointment.

Appraisal by Dr Richard Daniel:

https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/hidden-kingdoms-shifting-worlds-review-2026/