beyond me. If it weren't for spell checkers, I'm sure there would be lots of mistakes in this web site. From 17, mylack of academic prowess meant that I was no longer able to continue any formal artistic training. Between 1964 and 1979 I pursued a career in sales and marketing, furthering my artistic ambitions by taking occasional commissions. Apart from some early training, I suppose you would call me self-taught.

I never totally abandoned my passion for painting. In the early 80's I took the plunge and established myself full-time as a commission artist and illustrator. I have more than 400 commisions to my name, throughout Britain and Europe. I travelled extensively throughout Europe from 1985 to 1989, earning a living selling drawings and paintings. During this period I had one-man exhibitions in a number of countries.

In 1989, I moved away from commissions to teaching, which I find very rewarding. I have worked for Hereford College of Art and in a number of primary schools, advancing the pupils and teachers drawing skills. I was also a guest tutor at Art in Action for several years. In 1993, I established my own, large studio to give me space to put on private classes. I have run drawing and painting courses attracting students form throughout the UK and an increasing number from overseas. I am particularly proud of the courses I run in basic and developing drawing skills. Developing these skills is something in which I passionately believe.

I have benefitted in several ways from the success of my teaching studio. I have learnt an enourmous amount from my students. After more than 16 years of teaching, even now, I am still learning from them. Teaching makes you think about what you are doing and students challenge you all the time. I find it very stimulating. The teaching has given me a certain amount of financial security which has enabled me to explore painting for its own sake and be experimental. The final piece of the jigsaw was put in place when I opened my own gallery at the studio. This enabled me to present my work in a perfect space and as a result I am beginning to sell well. There has been increasing interest from other galleries around the country in showing my work. I now feel I have found where I want to be artistically and I feel very focused.

I have decided to move from this large and time consuming place. By going to a smaller place, I can concentrate on my artistic development. By working in hotels around the country, I have also managed to shed a lot of the admin, which I was finding so burdensome.