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I was born in 1960
into the small mining community of Springside a few miles
outside the town of Kilmarnock on the west coast of Scotland.
Life within the small Scottish village was very traditional and
although I grew up in the 60’s era it felt more like the 40’s.
My formative years were spent in the company of old men dressed
in dark suits smoking woodbines partnered with large
missile-shaped women decked out in headscarves and pinnies. My
father worked for British Rail and I got great pleasure from
simply sitting in the atmospheric steam filled stations which
even today I find are the most romantic, nostalgic places to be.
Many of my most romantic paintings are set within that very
atmosphere – I guess I’m just a big old fashioned nostalgic
romantic at heart! It therefore comes as no surprise to many
that my favourite film is ‘The Quiet Man’.
I am fortunate enough
in that the things I love to paint are right in front of my eyes
everyday. The hairs on the back of my neck still stand on end
every time I see an old ‘Gadgie’.
I love the movement
of the street drunk; however he remains a difficult subject to
paint – never staying still for any length of time. The real
skill comes in trying to capture the just off centre stance of
these vertically challenged individuals. The gossiping old
ladies standing on street corners, the tired old guy wandering
home after a long hard day at work and the wee dog cocking its
leg against the street corner are all appealing and interesting
to me. I see them all as different choreographed parts in a sort
of street ballet.
I always work in
natural light so there is nothing better than being able to sit
outside, despite the cold, with a glass of wine, whiskey or
something stronger like Earl Grey Tea with classical music
playing in the background. It’s at times like this when
inspiration kicks in and getting into a flow becomes easier –
the subconscious takes over and the painter and the painting
become one. I try to make this precious time last as long as
possible as I’m able to produce a great number of canvases with
the minimum of effort. When this creative spark wears off it is
then time for another long walk!
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