I started my painting career many years ago, and over the years have enjoyed painting a variety of subjects, but always using oils. To me painting with oil is so versatile and easy.

I first started painting at school and was encouraged by my art teacher. From there, encouraged by my parents, who were keen restorers of antiques, vintage vehicles and equipment, I went on to do an apprenticeship with Pete Tate at Tate Decor. Pete is the leading fairground artist in the country, not only did he teach me to paint, he also taught me the realities of painting every day commercially, not just for pleasure. There is a big difference! It was at Tate Decor that I learned I quite liked designing, it was always me who took on any art work that came in, any pictorial work that was a little more intricate and so I started to learn who I was as an artist, a work very much still in progress. 

As you will see I have been lucky enough to holiday on the lovely Mediterranean  island of Malta and there are a few of the local land marks shown in my portfolio.

However, growing up on a farm in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside my passion has always been painting animals and wildlife. I start with their eyes, once they are on the canvas they become alive to me and I start to talk to them as I work. I always like to know the dog or cats name if I am doing a beloved pet portrait and try to include the character and every little detail, because I know the devoted owner will know and love every one.

I am now starting on a new adventure by adding a completely different subject to my portfolio. Keep your eye on my gallery to see how I get on.