"I always enjoyed drawing from as far back as I can remember, around the edges of newspapers and any scrap of paper I could find.

In my early teens I learned something about advertising agencies from a family friend, who was a typographer. I practised saying the word so that I could impress anyone that asked 'what do you want to be when you grow up?'

Several years later that same friend found me a job as an office junior in the creative department of a top London agency.

It was here that I saw breathtaking original paintings which had been commissioned for advertising campaigns, painted by world famous artists such as Frank Wootton and Terence Cuneo and many others. Also several members of the creative department went on to become successful professional artists.

Emotionally I was in a turmoil, now I wanted to be an artist rather than a typographer or a designer but how could I learn to paint like these eminent artists??!!

I began studying during the evenings at the Heatherly School of Fine Arts in Chelsea and the Central School of Art in Holborn, nevertheless, my career continued in advertising.

Throughout my career I still nurtured my dream to become an artist but despite a number of watercolour landscapes painted on holidays, the dream remained a dream.

On approaching retirement I decided to join a portrait and figure course at my local college and my dream started to become reality. Not as well known as Frank Wootton or Terence Cuneo perhaps but I began to enjoy some success by selling pictures at local exhibitions.

I am a member of Brentwood Art Society and an Associate of the Guild of Aviation Artists.

I, with two artist colleagues, held a charity exhibition of artwork in Brentwood throughout October 2006. We raised almost £5,000 for the Little Havens Children's Hospice and Brentwood Theatre.

Painting is now a powerful force in my life, I am stimulated by so many elements; the power and beauty of horses and large wild animals, the wonder of colours and forms in flowers and the challenge of striving to capture the personality of the subjects of my portraits.

Sunrises, sunsets and the everchanging light playing on seas and lakes are a constant source of inspiration.

I hope you will share in my enjoyment and emotional experiences whilst looking at my paintings."