1957 Born in London
1975-76 Goldsmiths College of Art, London: Foundation Course
1976-79 Exeter College of Art and Design: BA Hons Fine Art
2010-15 The University of Surrey, Faculty of Arts, Tutor
2004 - Present Art tutor, Dunsfold
2018 Elected member of RBA

Publications:

Surrey Life (2014)

Collections:

Surrey University Art Collection

Artist Statement:

I see my work as a contemporary interpretation of the tradition of Romantic Landscape painting. It is inspired by an emotional response to the natural world, investigating the often transient qualities of time, space, memories or emotions with expressive semi-abstract painting. My painting process evolves through transforming and abstracting the subject. Layers of transparent paint are applied to the surface to create an atmospheric quality that suggest an unveiling or discovery of the poetic mystery of the landscape.

The starting point of my work comes from direct observation of the landscape through walks in the familiar countryside of Surrey and along the coastal paths of Sussex. My working practice begins with drawing outside, using a range of media including, pastels, watercolours, charcoal or pencil to record the colours, rhythms and textures of the landscape. I also find it important to capture the quality of light that is particular to the location, as this later helps to establish the mood of the painting.

I then work in the studio using either oils or acrylics or both, as the subject dictates, on panel or canvas supports. I pay particular attention to the preparation of these surfaces, by applying gesso and rubbing it down until I am happy with the result. I build up layers of paint, using either a palette knife or brush to create textures. The imagery is a mixture of both memory and reality, allowing the painting to follow its own path and the viewer to connect with their own experiences.

Exhibitions

2018 The Royal Society of British Artists, Mall Galleries

2018 RWS Contemporary Watercolour Exhibition, Bankside Gallery

2018 The Pastel Society; Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries

2017 The Royal Society of British Artists, Mall Galleries

2017 The Minster Gallery, Winchester

2017 The Pastel Society, Mall Galleries, London

2016 The Royal Society of British Artists, Mall Galleries, London

2016 The Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London

2016 Olympia Art Fair, John Iddon Gallery, London

2015 The Royal Society of British Artists, Mall Galleries, London

2015 The 20/21 British Art Fair, Henry Boxer Gallery (RCA) London

2014 The Royal Society of British Artists, Mall Galleries, London

2014 The Wey Gallery, Godalming

2014 Fircroft Exhibition, Albury

2013 The Lewis Elton Gallery, University of Surrey (Solo Show)

2013 Guildford Arts Council, Clyde & Co.

2013 The Cedar House Gallery, Ripley

2013 Guildford House Gallery (GAS)

2001 The Century Gallery, Datchet

2000 The Wonnersh Gallery, Surrey

Awards & Prizes

The Winsor & Newton Award for Painting