You were lucky enough to have John Piper has your art teacher. How did this help or influence you?

He believed in me and made me realise that I could aim to do something creative as a career. He also introduced me to Falmouth School of Art.

Which Art College did you go to?

Falmouth school of Art.

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist and was this encouraged by family and friends?

I always wanted to do something creative and yes I was encouraged by family and friends but I spent many years working as a graphic designer before finally taking the leap as an artist.

Your paintings have a clean, bold and precise quality, have you worked in other artistic fields?

As a graphic designer, working on projects such as beer label design, precision was required and bold clean designs worked best.

Do you have any favourite artists or genre of painting?

I have so many influences! I love the skill and simplicity of the early advertising artists like Frank Newbold, the colours schemes and prints of Eric Ravillous. David Hockneys exotic swimming pools and depictions of dreamy LA living. Norman Rockwells Saturday Evening Post covers. the illustrations of Angie Lewellyn and the light and shade of Edward Hopper paintings….I could go on and on…

You have a very recognisable style of painting, how do you describe your style?

Bold iconic style, used to idealise places.

Do you have a favourite subject matter?

I like coastal scenes but enjoy trying to capture a simple shadow on a building or structure.

How do you define sucess as an artist?

When somebody gets pleasure from something I have created.

Your paintings have a very calming element to them, do you feel that your paintings reflect your personality?

Painting is one thing that does realx me and so I am probably a bit calmer as a result.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Believe in yourself and dont take life too seriously.