In 1998 I moved to Italy to study at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence. Over three years there, I developed my skills as a portrait and landscape artist, employing the sight size tradition. Having developed a love for travel I embarked on several painting excursions around the world, each concluding in London exhibitions. In 2001 I had my first solo exhibition at Knightsbridge Barracks. My successive commissions, both public and private include Silver Stick of the Household Cavalry, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and the Earl and Countess of Strathmore. Throughout my career I have made a conscious effort to develop my technique and ability, training alongside artists such as Marc Dalessio, Marcus Hodge, Donald Jurney, Teresa Oaxaca and Ben Fenske. Having moved to the Brecon Beacons in 2007 I started the Welsh Academy of Art in 2012 in an answer to both a personal need and public demand. The dream was always to share the message – that drawing and the techniques of the old masters could be learned through a logical way of seeing and perhaps more importantly that these time tested traditions are long from dead. Creating this environment of like minded people has been a learning curve both creatively and personally and the galvanizing passion for art made in the traditional form has provided a platform of limitless opportunities most notably with the appointment of the Academy’s patron, Professor, Sir Roger Scruton. In April of 2016 I was fortunate enough to spend two weeks painting in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Painting everyday both in the city and in the desert and meeting all kinds of people from different faiths and backgrounds has been an enriching experience that I will never forget.