About the artist & the vision behind the art

I am a professional artist and art instructor who operates out of a home-based studio located in the charming coastal town of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, situated in the Northumberland region of the United Kingdom.

During my formative years in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, I developed a profound appreciation for the natural world and its inhabitants. My passion for observing and studying local wildlife led me to spend countless hours honing my artistic skills, with a particular focus on avian subjects. Over time, I became increasingly adept at rendering these creatures in various mediums, cementing my love for the art of painting.
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In 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting my significant other, John, and I decided to relocate to Newbiggin by the Sea in Northumberland in 2014. The area's captivating natural beauty and diverse wildlife served as an inspiration for me to pursue my passion for painting, and I have since created several artworks that showcase the breathtaking surroundings.

Acrylic Paints - In my line of work, the quality of the products I use is crucial to ensure the longevity of my projects. I prefer to use GOLDEN heavy body and Open range paints for my acrylic paintings because of their exceptional permanency and lightfastness. I use Ampersand boards both for my acrylics and oil pastel paintings. These boards are made from FSC-certified forest products, promoting sustainable forests. For irregularly sized acrylic paintings, I use uncradled Gesso Panels, which have an acid-free surface. 

Oil Pastels - When creating my oil pastel paintings, I use professional pastel brands such as Sennelier and Caran d'Ache Neopastels. One of the most significant advantages of using Sennelier over other soft pastel brands is their superior coverage and pigmentation. On the other hand, harder pastels such as Neopastel enable me to produce fine lines, which is essential when creating intricate details and textures in my portraits.

Coloured pencil - I typically use Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils for my portraits, but I may incorporate some Derwent brands like the Lightfast and Drawing ranges to broaden my colour options. To guarantee the longevity of my artwork, I choose to work on archival and acid-free papers such as Strathmore and Bockingford, which can preserve my portraits for more than a century.

Newbiggin by the Sea & Northumberland

Newbiggin by the Sea is a tranquil, serene and picturesque town. It's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it an ideal place for a wildlife artist seeking a quiet and relaxed lifestyle. I am constantly in awe of the wildlife surrounding me. From the majestic deer, hares, foxes, Red squirrels, and so much birdlife, especially the melodious calls of the Curlews. The pristine beaches are lovely, and I feel fortunate to have them just a 5-minute walk away. The shoreline is always a fascinating place to stroll, and I'm constantly mesmerised by the birdlife seen there.

During the summer, the numerous cycle paths in the area make it easy for me to venture out and explore the picturesque coastline. Sometimes, I take my camera with me on outdoor excursions should I encounter some captivating wildlife that may inspire future artistic endeavours. John is an amateur bird-watcher who has taken many of the photographs displayed here. Additionally, I utilise his images as a reference for my Northumberland paintings.

Over the years, many subjects have been captured in photographs. If you want to know more about Newbiggin and look at some of John's photos of the local wildlife, including rare bird species, you can click on the link below for additional information. (Link to follow)
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If you are interested in the fauna, flora and geology of Newbiggin, I recommend a visit to the NATURAL NEWBIGGIN website.