ABOUT

My works are, in the main, large, sculptural statements.

I find that expansive big images can absorb the viewer, perhaps share the experience of the theme being explored despite their fine grain detail.

I have exhibited locally with the Bath Society of Artists and at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol as well as in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Some past events and blogs can be found here.

My paintings hang on office walls, in large houses where there is the luxury of space but also in modest spaces.  Take a look at some of my paintings in situ here. 

Image: ‘Just in Time’ at home in Dulwich, private collection, 150 x 120cm

I originally studied architecture at the Architectural Association in the mid 1960s when it was a hot bed of revolutionary thinking about the built environment. Having pursued painting, drawing and ’collecting’ European churches throughout my early life, I was less interested in the avant-garde and gravitated towards conservation work. 

Whilst qualifying as an architect I went to evening classes at Byam Shaw and continued to paint throughout my architectural career in Windsor. Later I took a career break from to attend Falmouth School of Art (now Falmouth University), where I obtained a first class honours degree in Fine Art, majoring in sculpture. The image on the left is of my sculpture Standing Figure in 1979, set in the beautiful sub-tropical gardens at Falmouth School of Art, now developed with new university buildings.

I moved to Devizes in Wiltshire with my family to return to architecture, initially to work on conversion project at Wiltshire Museum. Most of my time was spent designing retirement homes, new churches and vicarages for the Church of England, as well as some conservation work across the southern region.

One project I undertook in Devizes turned out to be one of the most interesting: the conversion of the large premises that used to house Courts Furnishing in the High Street, next door to what was the stationers, Springford and Rose, now Spirit dress shop.

The property developer wanted to convert the rambling old store into small retail units. However, we uncovered a sixteenth century stone fireplace on the first floor, beautiful beams and other historic features including an arched entrance which affected the original plans. The result was a new shopping complex and public walk ways that have added considerably to the character of this part of the town centre.

I tried to work part time in order to paint but it was impractical. I eventually abandoned architecture to paint full time in 2007. Returning to painting and drawing was like going home.

As a child, touring Britain on holiday with my parents, I ‘collected’ churches. Later, whilst travelling through Europe, impressive Romanesque architecture virtually entered my DNA. Their massing, vast spaces, rhythm and sculpture.

I would also spend hours browsing in Westminster public library studying illustrations of great artists:  Cezanne and Paul Nash resonated the most.  Later came Goya and Matisse.    

Music plays an important part when painting, expressing rhythm, movement and harmony that I strive for in my own work.

Image: Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire