Statement
I began painting as
a boy when I marvelled at the watercolours my father painted of the
countryside, all from memory, and the atmosphere he could create
with a few old brushes and colours mixed together on a saucer. I
found that just by painting what you see, the light and shade, and
the changing seasons, you could bring to life a unique moment that
only you could see, but everyone else could share. There are many
places of beauty in and around Warwickshire, and I enjoy capturing
some of them in a picture, usually from photographs, and with the
digital age upon us, like nothing more than nipping out early on a
spring morning to click away in one of the villages or towns nearby
to where I live in Southam, loading them onto the computer at home,
which now takes seconds, and then sifting through the library of
photographs till I find one that I think will make an interesting
painting.
I have always painted in watercolour, although I did for a few years
use oils, but found watercolour easier and quicker to use, although
I do like to paint building up layers as I go along, from a very
light wash through to rich vibrant colours. I have always been
interested in country sports, and the dramatic and atmospheric
scenes you see out on a day's shooting, the hunt moving off from a
meet, or a fisherman at the river bank fighting with a big fish. In
this respect I admire the work of Archibald Thorburn, Gordon
Beningfield and one of the great contemporary British country
artists, Rodger McPhail, and my claim to fame is that a picture I
painted some years ago hangs next to one of Rodger's in Shuckburgh
Hall where he was commissioned to paint a picture of the shoot back
in the 1970s.
I have exhibited at local exhibitions and was a member of the Napton
Art Group for many years, but due to work commitments found I did
not have the time to paint or indeed participate. I have undertaken
over 50 commissions, some of people's houses, local scenes, or pet
portraits. I have recently had cards and postcards made of some of
my pictures, which are on sale in local shops in the Napton and
Southam area.
Go to Top
|
