About the Artist

Biography

I was born in Scotland. I have lived in Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire where I currently live.

I was educated at the University of Leeds, England and Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Before concentrating on art I worked in digital media and web design for consumer products, financial products and the music industry.

Interests

When not painting I am active in local community affairs and part of a collective art gallery.

I also help to organise and run cultural events in Beverley, and have volunteered at many local music festivals.

I enjoy travelling and have travelled to Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Norway, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Australia, Singapore, India, Mexico, Ecuador & Galapagos, Colombia, Peru, United States of America and Canada.

Artistic Development

I became interested in art through my father who painted watercolours and drew cartoons for his company magazine. He had an extensive collection of art coffee table books which I used to read as a child.

I always liked painting ships as a child and again was influenced by my father's collection of books on maritime art, with Colin Verity being a favourite maritime artist.

I began painting in acrylics in the 1980s before switching to oils and attending formal art, printmaking and photography classes. In the 1990s I participated in exhibitions in Derbyshire, then Yorkshire and more recently in Europe. My work has also featured in a few publications including Disney USA's magazine.

In 1996 this website went live and got some good reviews including from the Chicago Tribune.