he year 1978 was a fantastic
for me. I was eleven years old, I bought spiderman, superman and batman
comics, went to the cinema to see Star Wars at every opportunity and had
read The Hobbit by J.R.R.
Tolkien for the first time. It was also the year I discovered I had a small
talent for drawing.
I learnt to draw by
copying from comic books and from watching my dad (a self taught artist)
draw and paint. He encouraged me by lending me his precious anatomy books to
study, and teaching me the fundamentals.
By the time I had reached secondary school my art interests had begun
to broaden. I discovered the works of the impressionist, surrealists and
preraphalites as well as the fun to be had from caricature and cartoon
strips. I had a good art teacher called Mr. Warner
who always encouraging me to experiment with my art.
After school I was fortunate to find work as a graphic/pasteup artist. In
those days the light box, scalpel and lectraset were the tools of the trade.
It was hard uninspiring work but a valuable experience I believe.
By the time 1990 arrived I had abandoned art completely. I changed
professions, got married, and experienced the joy of becoming a father. In
fact art was the furthest thing from my mind back then. Life was just
beginning!
Half the decade was to pass before I started painting and drawing again. I
rediscovered the eleven year old in me and was determined to produce quality
fantasy and sci-fi artwork. I started painting in acrylics and watercolours
something I hadn't done since I left school. I was given a lot of
encouragement by my family and managed to sell many of my pieces. I even
went back to school and retook my art exams in 2000.
The new millenium brought me futher along with my artwork. I discovered
digital painting, and the World Wide Web Art community. By the power of the
internet I've managed to produce artwork for CCG games, Rock Bands and
online gaming communities, as well as sell privately commissioned artworks.
I've even gone back to school to take life classes. It's still early days
and I think the best is yet to come. |
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