Biography
ART QUALIFICATIONS
In 1970 I gained a B.A. in Fine Art Painting at Loughborough College of Art and Design followed by a post graduate Certificate in Education at Bristol University.
CAREER
I had a rewarding career in teaching and community arts, working with others to create their own art and creative activities on projects such as the Bristol Playbus. I worked for a short time teaching art in secondary schools but for a longer period in further education colleges.
During a year in Australia in 1993 I found time to get back into my own painting and enjoyed it as a hobby until 1998 when I began exhibiting. I now work as a full-time painter from a studio in my garden at our home in North Bristol and taking painting trips throughout the UK.
COMMISSIONS
Over a five year period I was commissioned by the RHS magazine ‘The Garden’ to illustrate monthly the ‘Last Words’ article in the magazine. These paintings comprised a touring exhibition visiting the RHS Gardens and since then the RHS Gift Shops are my most constant customers for cards.
This year in September 2011 I will be tutoring my third painting holiday in Andalucia, Spain for Authentic Adventures.
INSPIRATION
I have been told that my pictures capture ‘the essence of the British landscape’. I do love the light, colour and atmosphere of our towns, gardens, hills and coastlines and seaside and feel lucky in being able to capture these moments for others to enjoy.
Treeline -
a piece from my most recent collection
Viewing my work
In 2000 I instigated, together with a friend, a local art trail that is now the annual North Bristol Art Trail which now involves over 100 artists and 50+ venues. Each year the trail runs the last weekend of November from the Friday to the Sunday. Opening times for Saturday and Sunday are 10am-6pm. Originals, prints, cards and the Bristol Impressions calendars will be available for purchase.
My new original work will be exhibited by the Linda Blackstone Gallery at the Affordable Art Fair, Battersea in October 2011
I regularly exhibit at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) and Pastel Society Annual Exhibitions, in the Mall Gallery, London and have paintings in collections in Australia, South Africa and the USA. I have ongoing work in Blue Lias Gallery, Lyme and in ‘baxters’ Gallery, Darmouth.
GALLERIES
I sell work at galleries throughout the West Country, in Scotland and through the Linda Blackstone Gallery, London. My painting images have been published as cards by Medici, The Museums and Galleries Collection and Woodmansterne.