I was born in Barry, South Wales. I’ve always loved drawing and painting. I remember selling my first drawing for ten pence to a boy in my class. It was of the Battle of Hastings. Mum and Dad encouraged me to paint and I entered local painting competitions from an early age. I probably would have gone to art school after finishing my A levels but my Dad’s business was failing and my parents advised me to keep art as a hobby and do a degree which would get me a good job. I ended up doing law and of course loved every minute!
I kept the painting up though and, in the absence of any formal training, developed my own style. I love trying to harmonise colours and over the years this has been my predominant goal. If I can get the colours working well on the canvas that’s a big part of the painting for me. I’ve increasingly developed an observational theme to my work. I don’t paint from life but try to key into memories from growing up, family life, working in an office in London, commuting etc. If I can inject a bit of humour into the image that’s an added bonus. I love trying to find a succinct title to convey a scene or give it a context which isn’t obvious.
Over the years I’ve been involved in some interesting projects with my art. I provided the artwork for an album cover of the Blue Tones, been selected for one of the postcards at a Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, provided artwork for designs on a Ted Baker limited edition washbag, mobile phone cover and holdall range.
Painting is still very much my escape and passion and that is the main thing at the end of the day. I love going into the studio after a week doing the day job!
I hope you enjoy my work.
