Hello
I am a self taught artist specialising in portraits and the human figure, with the occasional bit of animal or still life.
Initially training as a telecommunications engineering and working in IT for 26 years, I switched the computer for the easel to devote myself to my art. I have recently completed a Fine Art degree at DeMontfort University so also now have the paperwork to prove it!
My fascination with depicting the human body is ongoing, originating from a desire to understand the human spirit and a delight in how wonderfully unique we all are.
I find oil paint suits me best to achieve the results I want – whether I’m going for quick sketches to capture the essence, or involved, time consuming, detailed portrayals, using traditional techniques of underpainting with many layers of transparent glazes to bring a luminous quality to the skin.
As a contrast to the colour (which is a particular interest of mine), I also enjoy charcoal and pencil. The immediacy of charcoal brings an energy to sketches and images can be achieved relatively quickly. Pencil is for the detailed portrait and provides relaxation in the concentration involved.
I take inspiration from many sources but I particularly admire work of the Renaissance, Baroque, Pre-Raphaelite periods for the beautiful depiction of the human figure. I like to combine the traditional with contemporary and I enjoy exploring ways of achieving this.