My style reaches for a combination of detail and depth. I strive to obtain the balance between a true likeness and the soul of a subject - the combination of these factors is essential to showing a person in their best light. The eyes in particular create the soul, and the painting is the setting. Much of my non-commissioned work is of portraits which convey varied and conflicting emotions to the viewer. Costumes and fabric hold a particular fascination for me, particularly of the Edwardian and Victorian periods. A large segment of my work is taken up with portrait commissions, which are shipped world-wide. Varied emotions are conveyed by my paintings, with conflict and debate being the primary goal – the “why” or “what” surrounding a particular expression of a subject.

I am compelled to interpret the life in a subject, and to capture the essence of a person in addition to their likeness. The conflicts, joy, secrets and history all combine to create a captured moment in a portrait. The painting journey usually consists of an emotional dialogue between the emerging painting and myself. This dialogue is designed to result in an awakening of those emotions in the viewer. Each step evolves during a soul-searching roller-coaster ride that seems insane to the onlooker!! That is the challenge, and is why painting portraits is my passion. I have an eternally questioning nature, and the truth is that I cannot NOT paint.

Biography
I am a native of England, and spent many years traveling throughout, and residing in Australia, Territories of Papua and New Guinea, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Middle East, most countries of Europe, and the United States, while conducting a successful career in travel and business. During these years I also pursued my passion for art. In 1985 I began formal studies in Germany as an apprentice, learning and practicing the techniques of the Old Master Painters. I spent over 4 years studying and practicing these methods and won the distinction of being the top student in the atelier for 1987 and 1988. I still find continuing inspiration in the study of the Old Master works, and produce paintings in the Old Master Technique on occasion.

Throughout my art studies I have been drawn to painting portraits – and am especially intrigued by the depth and conflict that is often found in the eyes of subjects, reflecting that there is no challenge more fascinating than to capture the “character and essence” of an individual on a two-dimensional canvas or paper. I paint mostly in the style of Classical Realism.

I come from a long line of artists, and follow in the footsteps of my Great-Grandfather, Great-Uncles and several more recent family members. I have exhibited throughout my travels, where I have shown and sold both commissioned and non-commissioned work, which is now in private collections. Subjects have come from a variety of backgrounds, including several distinguished members of the U.S. Military. I admit that some of my favorite subjects are “wonderfully ordinary people” whose faces show the tracks of real life.

I now work from my studio in Colorado at the foot of  the beautiful Rockies.