Grouse over the Stiperstones Painting

Born in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, England. One of 14 my family life and upbringing was in the countryside,always having a love for wildlife and animals. Archibald Thorburn, Fenwick lansdowne, Raymond Harris Ching, David Shepherd, Rembrant and Mary Cassat were great influences in the early and latter stages of my work.This was complimented with having a grandfather who was an artist and a father as a gamekeeper. Much of my work was self taught up to the age of 18.This was when my first sale of original paintings took place on Salt Spring Island, Canada.In 1985 I started work for The Shropshire Trust For Nature Conservation, providing illustrations of wildlife subjects for schools and colleges.My work started to be recognised and other opportunities arose, including other wildlife and community based projects.Whilst visiting Shropshire Conservation Group one day David Attenborough commented that I should continue to develop this skill. On graduating tutors were impressed with my wildlife drawings and portrait skills.Pursuing their advice I began to complete many portrait commissions. In 1996 I was approached by the BBC who commissioned me as a Court Artist which is the work I carry out to date and I have also worked with Central Television.I continue to take on commissions of wildlife, pets and portrait subjects.