I grew up in 1960’s Wallsend, North Tyneside and lived five minutes walk from Swan Hunter shipyards. I first sketched the cranes there and Newcastle city centre during my first year at North Tyneside College.
I left school at 16 and worked on building sites for three years until I started art classes at North Tyneside College where I was taught and inspired by Maurice McPartlan. He introduced me to the work of many artists including Stanley Spencer and Eric Ravillious. Mr McPartlan encouraged me to study art full time which I continued at Newcastle College of Art in the 1980s where I was inspired by Jeff Johnson whose influence continues to this day. At that time I didn’t know anyone who made a living selling paintings and so after completing an Art Foundation course then an HND in graphic design and illustration, I worked as a graphic designer for over 20 years in Newcastle and London. Drawing was an important and enjoyable part of my job. During these years I painted in my spare time before becoming a full-time painter.
My paintings are inspired by the Industrial landscape and memories of my childhood as well as the community spirit in the North East. My work is included in the collection of The National Coal Mining Museum For England. Paintings are in private collections as far away as Australia and New York.
