I’ve spent much of my working
life in medical research, but at last started ‘seriously’
painting some years ago. I’ve had no formal
art training, but have attended some excellent local
adult education art classes.
My lifelong interest has been in the natural world,
and so my preferred subjects are wildlife and landscapes,
though buildings and townscapes also appeal to me.
Watercolour is my favourite medium – I love
its delicacy and spontaneity. I find it lends itself
well to both landscapes and detailed animal studies.
I also sometimes work in pencil or pen. I like to
paint landscapes ‘on the spot’, aiming
to capture the colour and feel of the moment, and
using loose washes to give an atmospheric effect,
putting in fine detail just where needed. For animal
studies I do use photographs but also try to observe
the way the animal moves and behaves, so as to capture
the essence and bring it to life.
My subject matter is generally fairly traditional,
but I do occasionally branch out into the surreal.
I’ll take commissions, for landscapes, buildings
or pets (though I can work from photographs, it’s
always best to see the location, or the animal, first).
I’m a member of Derby Sketching Club and have
shown, and sold, work at numerous exhibitions and
craft events across Derbyshire. I give occasional
workshop sessions, usually on the subject of ‘Animals
in Watercolour’.
