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 Art has always played a part in my life - sometimes all consuming, sometimes pushed aside because of other commitments.
Born in Kojonup, a town in Western Australia's south west, the only child of parents who operated a bakery and tea rooms, much of my childhood was spent finding things to occupy myself.
I have always loved drawing and we were fortunate enough to have a “resident artist", Mr. Battie, who (I suspect as a favour to my mother) agreed to give me lessons.
His classes were for adults and as I was about seven at the time I received much assistance from the others in the group. I attended for about three months or so, and during this period learned the importance of accuracy in presentation. This has carried through into my work today.
My first commercial step in art was to find old bikes, restore them, paint them and finish with dagger line designs. Great training for you in the use of liner brushes and accuracy in fine work!
 My first attempt at painting was in watercolour and again I was introduced to this by Mr. Battie, who taught the basic techniques in simple landscapes. After leaving his class my development was by trial and error until I eventually mastered the technique.
At the age of 13 we moved to Perth to allow me to attend High School. I then took up an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker and during this period was introduced to isometric and perspective drawing. After qualifying I left the trade and became involved in the neon sign business, initially as a salesman. This entailed designing signs, which stretched my imagination and challenged my technical abilities.
The production manager of the company was an accomplished artist and we became firm friends in a short time. This friendship continues today, 45 years later. Robbie introduced me to oils and I attended a couple of UWA short courses under the tuition of Boissevain with him before finding my own techniques.
My position in the sign industry became more involved in lighting, first as a salesman and then as manager of the department. I then moved on to Production Manager in another company and during this time I had little space in my life for serious painting.
 When I retired I moved back into watercolour, never being really happy with the results I achieved with oils, and painting again became a large part of my life.
Three years ago I discovered Genesis Paints and have not worked with any other medium since. I do most aspects of art, however my main interest is in portraits and I find Genesis the most user friendly medium I've ever used.
Therefore, I go on painting, enjoying and filling my retirement with a hobby I love, working with a medium that makes it a pleasure.
How good is that?!!
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