My passion for art started very early in life - a pencil, crayon or paintbrush was never far
from my hand.  I won various art competitions at school, but never thought much about it.
Realisation as to any future career only began when, in my first year at High School, the
Head of the Art Department asked my permission to copy a painting I had done of two
imaginary parrots (very imaginary, very way out!), and subsequently created a huge mosaic
of them on his ceiling at home. He turned an exact copy of my creation into a visual ‘wow
factor’. Also, together with my art teacher, he strongly recommended me for Art College.
Regrettably that was a luxury my family simply could not afford.  Later a move from Dundee to Glasgow enabled a spell studying drawing at Glasgow School of Art, and then a few years later I found myself under the wing of George Birrell.  George instilled technical skills,
practical knowledge, broadened my technique, and importantly, gave much
encouragement. I gained the confidence to submit my paintings to galleries.

I have now been painting as an exhibiting artist throughout the UK for over fifteen years.
Working mostly in acrylics, my primary influence is colour, with tonal harmony and perhaps
the odd colour clash being an underlying feature. Depending on the effect I aim to produce,
I often use sponges, pallet knives, tissues, gold leaf, pen and ink, and even fingers.

Texture and layering, particularly on backgrounds, sets an important foundation.
Initially focused on still life (florals in particular), over time I began to broaden my subject
matter to include landscapes, seascapes, and occasionally, portraits. Also, I really enjoy
abstract work where I find the freedom and randomness both fascinating and creatively
fulfilling. It is fascinating to see a blank canvas evolve into something not preconceived,
and progress is natural, often contemplative along the way, occasionally emerging
from ‘happy accidents'.  Yet, always, the choice of colour pallet and tonal
harmony is foremost in my mind.