In the shade on a hot day in Villel, Spain Print

I have drawn and painted ever since I can remember, I was born in Glasgow June 1944 where my mother regularly took me around the art galleries, I think this was the spark that ignited my creativity. On moving to the land of my forefathers in Angus my artistic attempts were encouraged by my parents. I was very fortunate to have primary and secondary teachers who took interest in developing my art education and awarded me special art prizes. I was granted a bursary to study art at the Duncan of Jordan art college Dundee - however the need for income caused me to enter precision enginering where I developed attention to detail and methodology that has been both a blessing and at times a hinderance to my creativity. As an apprenticeship I frequently earned substantially more than my salary from watercolour commissions from sportsmen and anglers. As a member of the Brechin Dramatic and Operatic societies I was taught scenic design, construction and painting which provided a solid foundation in perspecitve and the use of light and shade. I have enjoyed a wide and varied career that afforded privileges to meet a vast array of artists, artisans, mystics, and religious leaders. During my career I've enjoyed extended visits on the African continent, India, Australia, most of Europe and the former soviet bloc, Russia as far as Siberia. I carried my sketch books throughout, often exchanging drawings and paintings in appreciation of hospitality and friendship. Mediterreanian holiday accommodation was often obtained in exchange for paintings - a great way to become involved in the families of the local communities. On retiring from academia and consultancy I returned to study a formal course in contemporary art. Now I live in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain and spend a lot of time working in my studio, as the climate and light provide a fantastic painting environment. I work in a range of mediums: Graphite, Charcoal, Pastels , Watercolours, Acrylics, Oils and mixed media. A lot depends on how my mood is coloured by events or research that has caught my attention - spontaneous combustion can bring about a stream of creativity. I invariably have five or six works running concurrently in various stages of development.