Artist, West Coast

I was born and raised in Westport, New Zealand, and have a design background, initially in display then graphic design, illustration and cartooning in both advertising and editorial fields. Work has encompassed theatre and newspaper design plus some courtroom drawing, set design and as a musician, while pursuing my own fine art activity and freelance work.

I returned to Westport from Wellington in 1989, carrying out freelance design and artwork including 12 public and private murals, while drawing and painting in an environment where I have portrayed local subjects from early years.

I have always been strongly affected by the landscapes and dramatic weather of the Coast, with an emphasis on light, mood and atmosphere and try to capture an inspiring moment in time, being especially drawn to coastal areas and the rich, west-facing evening light.

Though I’ve worked in oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, gouache, ink, pencil or mixtures of these, I presently work mainly in oils and sometimes acrylics. My subject of matter has encompassed a range of genres but is now mostly landscapes in a broad sense.

I have carried out much commissioned work and have shown in numerous solo and group shows in Westport, Greymouth and Nelson. Gallery representation has included Rutherford Gallery Nelson, Palm Street Gallery Westport and Gallery Lavaud Akaroa.