I am a part-time artist based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, working primarily in oils. My practice centres around impressionistic landscape painting, where I use fast, expressive brushwork to capture the energy and atmosphere of places that inspire me. I’m drawn to the vibrancy and rich tonal range that oils offer — they allow me to build depth, emotion, and immediacy into every piece.
Though I’ve had no formal art training, my journey as an artist has been a continual process of learning by doing. Each painting teaches me something new, and I find joy in that constant evolution.
My love for art began early, sketching and painting as a child. In secondary school, I joined the Ripon Art Society and began attending monthly lectures with my uncle Brian, who has always been a strong influence. These gatherings deepened my appreciation for other artists and their processes. During school holidays, I painted alongside the Littlethorpe Art Group — again with my uncle — where I was free to explore my own subjects while being surrounded by creatives working in diverse mediums. I suspect my fast-paced style was shaped by those sessions, as we often completed paintings within just three hours.
After school, I pursued horticulture — my other passion — and worked as a gardener for several years. When arthritis temporarily forced me to step back from that work, I returned to painting with renewed focus. That time gave me space to develop my practice further, and it reignited my commitment to art.
I now split my time between painting and gardening, with plans for future exhibitions and plein air painting trips. I’m excited for what lies ahead — both in the landscapes I’ll visit and the ones I’ll create.
