I was born in Derbyshire in 1961 and continue to live high up in Matlock Bath with glorious views over the surrounding countryside. After leaving school at 16 I served an apprenticeship as a plumber before joining my father in a picture framing business. It was during this time that my interest in painting was kindled and I taught myself to paint, initially in acrylics and watercolours but now mainly in oils. In 1991 I took over the framing business from my father and continue to run it to this day although a lot more time is spent painting now. After several exhibitions my work is in collections in the USA , Australia and Europe as well as the UK. I like to paint in many different styles but of late have become interested in a naive Lowry style of painting.