Having studied Technical Graphics for 2 years at Bournemouth Art College, I decided that Fine Art was my natural outlet. I set off across Europe to record my travels in watercolour. This ignited my love of Italy, of light and shade, and all things Mediterranean. After years of drawing and painting portraits in London and Sicily, I moved to Germany in 1985. After experimenting with various subjects and techniques I once again discovered the delights of the south. I also swapped my oils for acrylics, which allows me to get on with it. What interests me are urban landscapes, and people within that setting, although, having moved back in 2008 to Poole in Dorset after 24 years abroad I am becoming acquainted once again with the British landscape. Ian Hargreaves, May 2009.