Early in the last century artists like Picasso threw out the rule book. Techniques and knowledge that they themselves trained in for years, passed down from master to student through three centuries ceased to be taught. I am part of a new community of figurative artists who feel passionately about preserving and passing on the atellier tradition. 

I am drawn to subjects who dare to be themselves, strong and beautiful characters. I admire people who are not afraid of showing the world who they are. I am always seeking people who challenge the commonplace. 

I paint in oils because there is a moment when the paint takes on an uncontrolled life of its own. During the 20’s Pandemic we were all confined to our homes and I began to paint from photographs, lots of dogs and a few cats and children. I get a visceral emotion with some photos and have to paint them. I am fascinated by people and what they choose to show us. I am greatly influenced by Rembrandt and his understanding of light.and by John Singer Sargent and his mastery of brush strokes. I am always learning.

I started late as a painter, initially I trained as an industrial designer and worked in commercial design for 25 years in the UK, Hong Kong and New York. On returning to Europe I began to take steps to fulfil a long held dream of becoming a portrait painter and whilst in Spain I studied for 4 years with the Barcelona Academy of Art as a figurative painter and student teacher graduating into the pandemic of 2020.