Orchids and Bronze Painting

I consider myself to be a realist painter although there are usually aspects of abstraction present too. Painting for me is as much about what to leave out as what to emphasise. I am inspired by all kinds of subjects and I feel that creating good work starts with developing a sensitvity to the beauty present in whatever is before me. Most often it is the quality of light interacting with the subject which inspires. Currently lives and works in Birmingham, UK. I was born In Ireland and came to England at an early age. Being the youngest of seven boys the family home was full of music and books, which influenced my early artistic endeavours. I copied the work of masters of both classical and contemporary art from Leonardo da Vinci to Frank Frazetta. In my college years I had a strong affinity for both science and art and initially followed a university degree in science but later decided to pursue an artistic career and consequently gained a 2.1 BA (Hons) in Fine Art specialising in sculpture in 1993. I went on to set up a studio making ceramic sculpture, as well as teaching art at schools and community colleges. I later gained a HNC in graphic design and worked for many years as a graphic designer. Currently I am developing a new body of work, primarily oil paintings in the alla prima manner.