Painting and drawing has been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember.
I was lucky enough to study painting, drawing and art history at Sunderland Art College from ’59 after an undistinguished time at Grammar School.
I spent my professional career in art education whilst continuing to paint and draw, and exhibited my work in various ‘Open’ competitions throughout the UK.

My work has always been concerned with elements of line, tone, texture and colour as I worked through a succession of themes, each of which engaged me for a couple of years or so.
However, drawing from the life model has been a constant go-to discipline, but my chosen topics varied considerably including still life, landscape, ancient artefacts, boats, koi carp, sport, plants and portraits on a variety of scales by either charcoal drawing or oil painting.
I tend to work from preliminary direct observational drawings, often supported by photographic references. I draw in charcoal and paint in oils with brush and knife, and have been lucky enough to have always had dedicated spaces/studios in which to work.

Since joining the EDAN group I have enjoyed the challenges of a thematic approach to working and exhibiting. The ’Stronger Shores’ project has given me a different focus, although the themes of ‘Kelp’ and ‘Mag. Lime.’ have links with elements of subjects that I have used previously, but the whole group approach releases different points of view and conversations which I fully appreciate.

In conclusion I must register my appreciation of the support and encouragement I have been given by my parents, close family, colleagues, students and friends, without which my life in art would not have been so rewarding.