Born 1932 Motherwell, Scotland Moira Huntly studied at Harrow School of Art and Hornsey College of Art gaining a London University degree in Art Teaching. She was the first woman President of the Pastel Society, and is a past Governor of the Federation of British Artists. A teacher and writer on many subjects relating to the practice of drawing and painting, she is also a member of the Royal West of England Academy, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, and the Royal Society of Marine Artists. Moira exhibits widely in the UK and abroad, and has undertaken many commissions for international companies. Collections include Alcoa International, Clwyd County Council, Hampshire County Council, Laing plc, National Museum of Wales, Nuclear Electric, Whitbread, Royal Caribbean Line, CWS Ltd etc. She is the author of several books on drawing and painting, her latest being ‘Sketchbook Secrets’ published by David & Charles. "Since my student days I have believed in gaining knowledge from direct observation. Drawing is very important to me and through accuracy in drawing I try to explore shape and form and discover in a subject its potential for a painting. I paint in a variety of media including mixed media depending on specific exhibition requirements. I regard the composition and content of a painting as more important than the medium, but sometimes I instinctively choose a particular sketch to work from because I visualise it in a certain medium. I can’t explain why this is so. Marine and industrial subjects, buildings in the landscape, figures and still life appeal to me, but whatever the subject, I am searching for its abstract qualities. In my paintings I try to keep a balance between realism and abstract patterns full of strong rhythms and invention, distilled from my drawings. I see the world as a kaleidoscope of broken lines, shapes and colour masses, sometimes fragmented into jewels of colour. These are the qualities I seek in my work and am continually striving to achieve. After many years I am still searching for new ideas and ways to express them. I am never satisfied with what I have done and am always thinking and hoping that the next painting is going to be the best."