I grew up in the Pennines and spent my childhood in the hills feeling a part of that landscape soaking up its textures and forms. As a five year old I decided I was going to be a footballer and artist, and with the support of my brother, Mum  and Dad pursued my passions.

I have painted and drawn the landscape since I was 5.

After school, I went to study painting at Manchester College of Art graduating in 1970. After college I returned to the North, working as a part time Postwoman and working as an artist.  Whilst developing an abstract syntax in those early days I always felt a connection with the landscape.

I have done numerous jobs to pay the rent, factory work, postwoman, bicycle mechanic, carpenter and Building surveyor, all of which have informed me in many ways.

My work has always crossed the boundaries from abstract and figurative and underpinning my work is the drawn mark whether it be from a 2b pencil or a 3D drawing built from 2x 1 piece of timber.

For the last 4 years I have collaborated with the painter Alison Shipton producing joint painting. This has been both fascinating and exciting, and is ongoing and always developing.

In addition to this, I have continued my individual work which recently includes some large scale three dimensional work reflecting landscape. In some ways I am revisiting a more abstract language of my earlier work.

I have been privileged to be given access to London Community Boxing where I have been drawing the boxers. Watching and drawing the boxers and listening to the clarity of Ricardo’s coaching has been a real learning experience for me and given me a respect for these young boxers and their achievements.

I look forward to a continued collaborative partnership with Alison and my individual work moving onwards.