I was born in London and studied painting and drawing at Richmond School of Art in Surrey, UK. I live in Richmond and work in my studio at the bottom of my garden.

Many of the paintings on this site have already been sold, so the images shown are just examples. My paintings have been shown in many exhibitions and galleries around the UK and in London including the Pastel Society Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries. Details can be found on my exhibitions page. Framed works are priced at between £500 and £1,200 but I sometimes have a selection of unframed pictures at lower cost.

I have always been fascinated by people in everyday situations going about their daily lives. I like to observe people unselfconsciously getting on with things, interacting with each other, perhaps having a drink or a meal.

My obsession with umbrellas shows no sign of abating. There is something about the shape which works well in a composition and I enjoy the way that watery reflections pick up light. Whenever it rains, I dash out with my camera - I get quite anxious if there is a long dry spell.

Awards and achievements
Article published in The Artist magazine - April 2005
International Artist Magazine, Competition Finalist - January 2003
Leisure Painter Award for Best Work in Exhibition – May 2001
Federation of British Artists Exhibition Mall Galleries 2001 – Daler Rowney Award

Training
Richmond School of Art, Diploma in Art and Design 1991/1992
Central St Martins College of Art and Design, Summer School 1992
Federation of British Artists Workshops, Mall Galleries, 1999-2003
National Portrait Gallery, Self Portrait course, February 2003
City Literary Institute, Life Drawing course, 1993

web site by Ian Swankie