Born London 1923. After war service in RAF attended Harrow School of Art, 1947-50 and Royal Academy Schools 1950-54.
Teaching: Various London schools. Moved to Devon in 1958, with wife and four children. Taught on Foundation course at Bideford School of Art from 1962 until its move to the North Devon College. Retired in 1984, to paint.
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Statement
My painting is traditional.. Coloured pigment applied to a two dimensional surface.
Working method
I start with an idea, however vague, rough it out on board, or canvas, keeping the whole painting fluid. The work goes through a series of additions and subtractions until it reaches a point where I think it should rest.
I do not spend hours contemplating or agonising over the next move, which means I write letters, read, wash dishes or mow the lawn. At intervals I nip back to see how it looks, adjustments present themselves,which I work on, then I'm off again. The beauty of this method, for me, and I emphasise, for me, is spontaneity and surprise.
Medium.
I alternate between oil and acrylic. When using oil the subject is figurative, with acrylic, because of it's rapid drying properties, more abstract, with the emphasis on colour, texture and pattern. I find no difficulty in this twin approach other than my own schizophrenia. |
