Tutor

Peppers, oil

I am a graduate of the Institute Superieur de Peinture Van der Kelen in Brussels. I also have a Psychology degree from Durham University which is useful, as art always starts with perception. As the song says, ‘Its all an illusion’. I worked for several years as a mural painter in England and abroad.

After briefly joining the circus I won a place at the the Motley Theatre Design school under the tutelage of Margaret Harris and the filmmaker Danny Boyle.

I developed my artistic career designing for theatre and TV, and directing films. I have had several exhibitions including at Smiths Galleries, Covent Garden, The Whitechapel Gallery and the Ministry of Sound (it’s a long story) all in London.

Drawing is an abiding passion with me, I use it to relax and kill time at bus stops.

The Lane, Pastel on Sandpaper

I have taught painting and drawing in a variety of London institutions and I currently teach an adult painting course here in Camerino. I have now tutored over well over 50 art holidays, but will never tire of thrill of helping artists to overcome the perceptual hurdles which hold back their their creativity. I am constantly honing methods to explain all the tricks and techniques at the artists disposal, but I often find that artists teach me too.

Andrea and I moved to Italy, (also Ministry of Sound, also a long story), and our two children nearly 20 years ago and I now find myself living in one of my own murals.

In the winter I really like painting chairs. Although this winter I have taken to illustrating Andrea’s recipes to make a cookbook for our children.

My own style is fairly representational but that doesn’t mean yours has to be.  Half my job is helping you to your own style.  I will not try to make you paint like me, however, it is worth knowing if your tutor knows one end of a paintbrush from the other.