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Amazingly I find
myself thinking about how I initially got interested in painting
and how I became an artist. I say amazingly because it was never
really meant to be – at least never in my wildest dreams!
However, after taking the plunge in 1988 I have continued to
make my living from my art, even though I didn’t get off to the
best of starts by failing my 11+. I attended The Manchester
Primary School and keen to encourage my flagging self-esteem,
they offered me a place at art school. This was, however, turned
down by my parents for all sorts of logistical and practical
reasons, and with no creative or artistic family background it
was quickly decided that a more conventional education was for
me. What I got was anything but!
School life was dull
with the exception of art, which I excelled in, and was looked
upon well by the art teacher there. He singled out the talented
from each year and saw to it that we received more lessons in
art than the ‘brainy’ kids who studied more of the 3 R’s. So it
seems that I am a product of my poor education and I have to say
I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Gleaming precious little I left school at 15 years with no
formal qualifications, never having sat an exam – something
unthinkable today. I took a job as a photographer’s assistant
and thought the position was a brief one, however, the seed was
sewn and photography has been of great interest to me ever
since. It has taught me much about composition and the use of
light and colour to create a pleasing image invaluable in my
work as a painter. My photograph’s are my sketchpad and are a
constant source of reference.
My interest in art was rekindled in late 1979 when I was bought
a small box of watercolours, and what started as a hobby then
became my passion. Maybe it’s because the route I took was an
unconventional one, but I am still uncomfortable with the title
‘Artist’. I see myself more as a painter and/or watercolourist.
My main outlets for my work were previously at local art centres
and major craft fairs. I’ve also had a number of one man shows
throughout the past 20 years.
In 1992 I opened my own art gallery, but after six wonderful
years I found that my painting time was becoming less and less.
I was instead being taken up by the day to day running of the
gallery. So in 1998 I decided to go back to painting full-time
which was a big decision for me, having grown accustomed to the
steady income the gallery provided. However, painting is, and
always will be, my passion and it wasn’t long before the
commissions started rolling in again. Local established outlets
continue to adorn their walls with my work – for which I am
eternally grateful.
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