Personal history

Having recently fulfilled a long term dream, we have now relocated to Cornwall.
The North Cornwall coast has been a favourite escape for many years . Now at last i can walk to the fabulous Portreath beach in 5 minutes! Helen and i are taking in our new found freedom and lifestyle which is fabulous. Basil the cat has settled well and is enjoying his retirement to the seaside.

I was born and raised in Devon and educated at Okehampton comprehensive school/college, where key subjects included art and technical/engineering drawing which I studied at `O` and `A` level.

Having left school I began a career in estate agency which lasted for about 20 years. After so many years in the `pressure cooker` my health took a turn for the worse which resulted in essential changes to my life. It was at this low point that a journey of self discovery began. During the following years I developed a new sense of optimism, satisfaction and of well being ,initially through the therapeutic benefits of immersing myself in painting. Life is a journey with ups and downs. Through painting I try to stay focussed on the `ups` and understand how rewarding it can be to both observer and artist.

I paint mostly in the acrylic medium using various techniques to apply the paint to canvas and am always experimenting with new methods. I like to paint freely and usually in a fairly loose style.

The amazing open space and dramatic scenery that is the coastline of Cornwall and Devon, together with associated coastal ways of life, influence much of my work. I am fascinated by boats and ships and have respect and admiration for the hard working men and women of the sea.

The work of Kurt Jackson i find inspirational. Not only his methods and style, but also his life choices and principles.

I am a regular exhibitor across south and east Devon with annual submissions to London shows. My work has developed over the last couple of years and has appealed to collectors as far a field as the USA and Spain. Regular commissioned pieces now form a rewarding part of my portfolio.

ARTISTS STATEMENT

I believe that art is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. An original work of art is something that should be cherished, be it for its obvious beauty or for its thought provoking quality. Art can provoke conversation and discussion between people from all backgrounds and cultures whatever the subject or medium. Respect for others and our environment are important to me. The oceans that surround our Isles are an important part of our lifestyle. However they cannot sustain abuse from us without serious damage. Be it fish stocks or surfing, the threats are real and so the onus is on every individual to treat our beautiful coastline with respect.