My background is in graphic design where I received good grounding in everything from photography to life drawing as part of my course work, thanks to it being way before computers took over as the design tool of choice. This is one of those times I am grateful for being older, as photography, painting and drawing have given me much enjoyment over the years. Graphic design - applied art - is largely about pleasing others, whereas fine art is largely about pleasing myself (or so I reckon), and if what I produce also pleases some other people then that is a bonus!
For several years I was member of the North of England Art Club. I later returned to studying in my spare time and attended several painting and drawing classes, plus a BA Fine Art course, run by Newcastle College. I have also attended several art courses and classes (notably those run by the estimable Clare Money who has removed my fear of dealing with landscape subjects).
My subject matter varies - and indeed the style and medium too (according to my mood at the time and what would seem to fit the bill) but what binds everything together is a celebration of the things I see around me.
‘THINGS SEEN’ 1-4 June 2022
In 2022 I held my first solo exhibition in The Old Low Light, North Shields Fish Quay (oldlowlight.co.uk) which was successful and highly enjoyable.
Because I chose to have my work mounted and backed only - not framed - this gave me the chance to display a lot of my work and show the various mediums I like to work in. It also meant that I was able to keep prices to a very reasonable level.
Many folk attended and comments were generally complimentary, which is very encouraging. I must now knuckle down, carry on experimenting and broadening my scope. My thanks to all who came along and also to all who have contacted me via this website.
‘MORE THINGS SEEN’ 28 May - 1 June 2022
This year I repeated my exhibition experience in The Old Low Light, North Shields Fish Quay (oldlowlight.co.uk). I make no apology for the show’s title!
As I walk and cycle around the local area, and sometimes further afield, I can’t help but be struck by details worth noting; a novel combination of colours, or the way light is adding drama to a well-known view. The trusty camera-phone is usually in my back pocket, ready to make a valuable note, before the moment passes.
My subject matter varies and also the way that I tackle it. How a piece of artwork emerges is very much led by the subject matter, how I feel at the time of working and what simply feels ‘right’. Lately, I have returned to using oil paint and have had to acquire the patience needed whilst it dries, having become used to the more rapid ways of pastel and acrylics!