Born in 1973, in Leamington Spa, my free-time was always divided between the friendly “rivals” of art and music. After gaining an honours degree from Dartington College of Arts (now part of Falmouth University) in music and the visual arts, I became involved in various community projects, with publication of music scores and designs following, along with several album releases of relaxation music.

I think my interest in art was originally ignited by the illustrations in the universally loved Ladybird books, closely followed by Tony Hart’s wonderful TV series "Take Hart”, the paintings of J. E. Duggins and books by painter and educator Adrian Hill. The works of Van Gogh, Degas and Monet became, and remain, a constant source of inspiration to me.

Involvement in the second hand and antiquarian book trade fuelled a growing general interest in design, whether it be the fine bindings housing the books, the perfect working partnership between artist and engraver, exquisitely hand-coloured plates, richly coloured Victorian chromolithographs, or editions of classic works illustrated by the likes of Dulac and Rackham.

My approach to painting has been arrived at through a combination of formal study and being self-taught. My preferred working medium has to be oils. For me, the textural quality, ability to create subtle mixes, blending of colour, and sheer versatility make it one of the most captivating of mediums.