I hail originally from Northern Ireland where I spent my formative years and learnt how to draw and paint, helped by my father and also inspired by renowned Irish artist and family friend Frank McKelvey.
Donegal, Derry and Antrim were my lucky areas for painting landscapes. I came to Manchester in 1966 to the School of Art where I qualified as an architect (plus diploma of Art). I had a rich and varied career as an architect in Manchester and Sale and retired in 2016. I am married to Jill, have just celebrated our Golden Wedding and have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
As an artist I have been active most of my life. I have exhibited at the Manchester Academy of Fine Art, and had exhibitions in Donegal and Greece.
I did many perspective paintings during my architectural years.
During the COVID pandemic lockdown I drew 500 pencil portraits of NHS front line workers and also enjoy doing portraits and cartoons. A current project I am working on is a Celebration of Donegal, a series of paintings reflecting the wondrous scenery, atmosphere and seasonal vibrant colours of this county. For these I am using basic pen and ink with overlay of watercolours. Above all colour is key. These are being well received by my Irish followers, amongst others.
It has been and still is a pleasurable and enjoyable journey with brush in hand.
