Artist, print maker and illustrator

I have always really loved looking at art and all art interests me and some I really love. I have never had formal training in either art or design until in the last 10 years I became a member of WYPW- West Yorkshire print workshop – and have had several workshops in different methods of printmaking. Since then I have explored and experimented and tried to find that unique something in my work. I possibly will spend the rest of my life trying to find that !

I never even had art lessons at school so my work , whatever the medium , is to a greater part self taught through observation of my subject matter and regarding work by other artists.

I have had three careers – District Nurse and Health Visitor, Senior Countryside Ranger and Lecturer and manager at a College. None related to art although I introduced my students whenever possible within their curriculum to art and as a ranger we did many creative activities with all age groups. However since 1976 I , whenever possible, I attended a night school class drawing and painting from the clothed figure. Then since retiring I have attended life drawing opportunities twice a month.

I have been a member of Saddleworth Art Group for the last 20 years exhibiting locally twice a year. I have exhibited in Oldham Gallery, had work in Bankside Gallery London , work in Yorkshire galleries and work in galleries in Anglesey. I also love taking part in Anglesey Open Studios once a year and have just become a member of Anglesey Art Group.

I have for about 20 years been part of an International group of artists who paint en plein aire. After each week once a year we hold an exhibition and thus I have work in private collections in the USA, France, Meissen in Germany and Switzerland.

I also, along with four other artists, started the Saddleworth Art Trail last year which proved very successful and is now going to be able annual event.

And lastly,  last year I was fortunate to have a piece of my work in Mokuhanga (Japanese Wood block) chosen by Sky Art Landscape of the year so took part in heat 5 at Llanberis slate quarry and this has just been shown on TV- a great experience.