"Aples, lime and a cup" Painting

I was born in the British Midlands in 1972 and graduated from Kingston University in 1997, with a degree in Illustration. For much of the time since then I have been living in Bangkok, working as an English teacher. After turning 40, this year, I decided to quit my job and focus on teaching myself to paint. Although I had an art school education, I consider myself self-taught. My images are currently still life studies in acrylic. All are created from direct observation; I never use photo reference. My intention is to eventually move on to figure studies in oils, which depict the exotic beauties of Thailand. However, for now, skills need to be honed and fruit is somewhat cheaper than models.