I have been painting from an early age; I guess I was about 7 years old when I got serious. I am now 63 years old.
All of my school mates were having cream buns and soft drink for lunch; my parents were poor so I had a plum jam sandwich. I devised a way to make some money; I forged teachers and parents signatures on school work and wrote notes for those who wagged school.
I did well and I enjoyed my cream buns and soft drink until I was caught , as punishment I was sent to the School of Arts College ( now TAFE ) in my home town to the Art classes on Saturdays to develop my artistic ability in a more useful way
Ever since I have been painting as a hobby, most paintings I gave away to people who liked them, some I sold, and bought more paint
I prefer oil paints, or do I just love the smell of turps. I have had no formal training, just watched other people paint and read a lot.
In 2009 I was diagnosed with Cancer – Lymphoma, and had six months continuos, solid intense Chemo, now 8 months ago I finished my Chemo, and my Cancer is gone, I have to now get over the treatment, I cannot get a full clearance to return to work, and having no income, I have turned to my artistic ability .The Chemo messed with my brain and I had to teach myself to use my tools again, and every thing else in my life. I have a wonderful wife who supports me fully.
It does several things, one is it keeps me busy (no time to dwell on what I can’t do), and it keeps me alive.
I like to paint from my heart and my soul , my paintings are landscapes , but not really actual scenery, just places in my head. I can use photos and paint on site as well.
