ABOUT THE ARTIST

BACKGROUND

Born into a family of artists, I was brought up in beautiful rural Somerset, England in a crumbling historic manor house. Growing up in a creative household with my 3 siblings - our father sculpting and painting, my mother’s cartoonist father HM Bateman visiting regularly and my elder sister forging her career as a painter, all contributed to my own interest in art. My inspirational mother held the family together and the house was often bustling with friends and visitors all seeking her attention and enjoying her wholesome cooking. She encouraged me to pursue a career as a painter and during the 80’s after a Foundation Course at Somerset College of Art, I went on to study Fine Art at The Byam Shaw in London. 

Painting provides peace and tranquillity in my life, something I try to convey in much of my work and a quality that people who enjoy my pictures often comment on.

TRAVEL

I have always taken every opportunity to travel, preferably well off the tourist trail. Much of my work is influenced by my wanderings and over many years I have developed a deep love of Africa. Sketching quick portraits and painting outside always attracts attention and I grasp opportunities, using my artistic skills, to meet people and to gain a deeper understanding of the places I visit.

My fascination with Africa was borne in my twenties on a visit to Kenya. I was bowled over by the vast and diverse landscapes and way of life of the people, so different from my own. My curiosity then took me to other places, including countries such as Russia, Madagascar, Yemen and Mali, many sadly now ravaged by conflict - keeping diaries, sketching and painting as I went.

These days, I regularly spend time in Senegal with my partner’s family, in a coastal fishing village, where I paint, gather ideas for new work and immerse myself in local life.

Over the years my African paintings have become commercially very popular and are published worldwide in books, calendars, prints, greeting cards and numerous educational and charitable publications. In 1996, I became a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society where I have exhibited my paintings of Africa. 

SOMERSET STUDIO

By contrast, at home in my Somerset studio, working in oil or watercolour, the work I produce is extremely varied. The beautiful local landscapes are a constant source of inspiration and, during the warmer months I'll be found painting in my garden or out in the fields, trying to capture the ever-changing colour and light.

When too cold or wet for plein-air work, I will be in my studio painting still-lifes, juxtaposing unlikely objects to add a touch of quirkiness and humour to the composition.

Every year in September, I welcome visitors to my studio for an exhibition during Somerset Art Weeks (details in “News” page).

PORTRAITS

Portraiture has always been of great interest to me. I often work to commission but equally enjoy painting friends, family members and self-portraits; famous sitters include comedienne Dawn French, para-olympian Ade Adepitan and Wimbledon champion Sue Barker. I also accept commissions to portray a home, pet or favourite landscape, working from life or photos.

I have exhibited with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and have competed in the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2023.

PURCHASING

If you are interested in purchasing, visit the buy work page for currently available prints and original paintings.

I am happy to discuss alternative payment methods, overseas shipping queries or specific questions re. a particular artwork. Each painting is unique and may have a handmade, vintage or off-the-shelf frame which can be removed if preferred.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Check out my Frequently Asked Questions page for some quick answers.