Originally from Edinburgh I spent my early life in the wilds of Canada living in a log cabin with my parents and pet wolf. This time spent with nature has given me the drive throughout my working life.

I worked in conservation as a deputy head keeper at Edinburgh Zoo for 10 years, specifically with the big cats, bears and birds. I found that this experience helps me with my painting as it provides an emotional connection to the story I’m trying to tell.

I always work with acrylics on canvas as I find the paint particularly responsive to my style, using them almost like watercolours, building up layer

upon layer with glazes to gain the right tone.

The natural world and the wildlife that inhabit it, associated with the state world is currently in, is the drive that carries me forward through each painting. I try to imagine a story behind the scene I’m creating to give an emotion and a connection for the viewer.

I am a member of the Association of Animal Artist and regularly exhibit at their shows across the UK, having recently received a highly commended award.