After working as an academic for many years, I began to paint in watercolour in 2006. I am largely self-taught, although I have studied with the Cheltenham-based artist Trevor Waugh, Ann Blockley and Hazel Soan. I was greatly encouraged when I won the SAA June Atherton Award for Best Beginner Artist of the Year in 2007 and more recently I have also had works accepted into the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art and the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition. I particularly enjoy painting wildlife, which suits my raw, direct style, and have just returned from furthering my passion with a trip to Kenya.