In Diane's words: Living with Dry Macular Degeneration in both eyes, and Wet Macular Degeneration in my right, as well as Cataracts in both eyes (but slow growing), I was very fortunate to be diagnosed very early on and have received wonderful treatment at the Old Street Moorfield Eye Hospital.
It is getting frustrating at times and reading is becoming problematic depending on the type font.

My painting has changed quite a lot since my diagnosis. When I graduated from college in 2000, I was mainly a figurative artist, now landscape is my main source of inspiration. Especially featuring water, be it sea, river, or lakes, I try to capture the heart of the scene, sometime in plein air, with completed sketches, pen and ink, water colour and finishing works in my studio.
I usually begin with acrylic, laying down a foundation of colour and move onto oils to achieve the feel and texture I want in the work. I have also come to use brush and pallet knife together and apply the paint quite thickly.
The end result is now much more vibrant and with strong contrasting colours. Evident in some stormy seas and rocks painted from a visit to Iceland, also works from Scotland and Australia. My river scenes are softer and not quite so dramatic as befits the subject.
I hope to be able to continue working and exploring the different approaches that I must now tackle.