Biography
From childhood, I have always loved drawing and painting. My passion for visual arts was inspired by my wonderful Art teacher at school. When studying A level, I learned Fine Art with History of Art. I studied European masters such as Rembrandt, William Turner, Gainsborough, Van Gogh, and the French Impressionists. These artists influenced me in their composition, use of colour, the effects of sunlight and shadows in landscape and portrait paintings. I was also curiously influenced by the brilliance of artists like William Hogarth and Cruickshank, as I studied their satirical commentary on English society and politics. As a result, I went on to illustrate the school magazine in pen and inks, producing some humorous caricatures.
At Winchester School of Art, I had the freedom to experiment with a wide variety of media, colour, composition, expression, sculpture, printmaking, and producing short animations. From there I developed a deep-seated desire to become an illustrator and have since pursued this through illustration courses with the University of the Arts, London (UAL).
More recently I pioneered the role of Artist in Residence at Bohunt Sixth Form, giving face-to-face and on-line tutorials, as well as critiques. I worked in a diverse variety of Fine Art media including textiles workshops, to inspire new talent and young artists of the future.
I have consistently kept drawing and painting, completing private commissions and pet portraiture, and exhibiting with Petersfield Arts and Crafts Society (PACS). My subject matter is mainly landscapes, seascapes and animal portraits.
My primary influence and source of inspiration is the beauty of natural history. Wherever I look, I see God's creation, his design and handiwork. I marvel at the fact that many inventions have been inspired and sparked from it. As a Christian, painting and drawing from nature is a form of worship. As I look and observe, I am reminded that we are all made in the image of God, we are the pinnacle of his design and each of us in some way represents him. God has given me and you the ability and desire to create in some way.