I’m an Edinburgh born self-taught artist specialising in wildlife.
My early life was spent in North America where my parents travelled extensively. It was during this time that I gained my deep love for the natural environment. Wildlife of all varieties were common in my home, and I even had a tame wolf for a pet.
I previously worked professionally in conservation as a Deputy Head Keeper at Edinburgh Zoo for 10 years with big cats, bears and birds. I found this experience helpful with my painting as it gives me an emotional connection to the story I’m trying to tell. Gaining this intimate relationship with animals at a very close level over the years has helped give me an eye for detail which enables me to bring my art to life rather than just replicate it.
In my art I try to imagine the story behind the scenes to create an emotion and to give a connection to the viewer.
I always work in acrylics on canvas & find them particularly responsive to the way that I work, applying many layers, washes & glazes to obtain the right effect.
I’ve had two local solo exhibitions, and take part in an annual local charity art exhibition in Blairgowrie, where they fundraise for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, and where I have regularly donated a painting with all proceeds going to the SCAA. In 2025, I also donated a painting of a capercaillie to the Overgate Hospice in Elland, West Yorkshire, where I also have ties, this was then auctioned to raise funds for an extension for the Hospice.
I’ve been successful in various art competitions, coming joint first place in an international art competition in 2020 and in 2021 I received a Highly Commended award during an exhibition for the Association of Animal Artists.
