Although I started drawing and painting as a young man, it was not until I took very early retirement that I was able to concentrate on painting full time.

Over the years I have completed hundreds of commissions and I still get a terrific kick from painting a picture that is both accurate and pleasing.

At my one day animal workshops, I encourage everyone to bring their own picture of an animal they wish to paint to get a more "individual hands-on" style tuition instead of a "do what I do, paint by numbers" approach. It encourages people to try and with constant help, I find that the lessons learned tend to stick in the memory longer. I believe it is important to teach the techniques of what the product can do, which in turn, helps you develop your own style later.

I have taken this belief into my DVDs along with my policy of explaining everything. This has resulted in a lot of people, most, absolute beginners, now taking on commissions themselves.