Hello again, and as I mentioned in our 'Welcome' page, I began painting about 12 years ago after watching TV artist 'Bob Ross' and then learning more about the man who taught Bob and developed the 'Wet on Wet' oil painting technique, Bill Alexander, I only decided to go for certification in 2008 and recently achieved the honour of becoming a Certified 'Alexander' Instructor in this oil painting technique.
I first realised other people (apart from my relatives) liked my style of painting when a local businessman asked if I'd sell him a painting he'd seen in my car, intended for my local GP's retirement present.
I've donated paintings to various charities and fortunately they have been bought to help raise funds. :)
The biggest honour I have had to date, was having one of my paintings used by the PBS TV Station WIPB for one of their Christmas cards. This is where Bob Ross himself produced his tv show.
Below some examples of my own artwork. Including my latest
'Bluebell Path'
After the Rains
Bodenham Impressions
Mount Kilimanjaro (painted for a Macmillan Charity event)
In applying for certification with the Alexander company I had to teach the technique and be appraised by my students. I was fortunate enough to have two lovely ladies, Ann and Judy...plus my neice Tasha, offer to be my guinea pigs. Glad to say they were all pleased with their final results.
(Many thanks girls! :) )
Try Before You Buy!
Although perhaps like me, you may have seen one of the tv artists shows and thought, 'I'd love to try that!'. However, if you go buy all the materials you require to paint along with a tv artist, it could be quite expensive. Plus, once you open a tube of paint..it's a heck of a job to put it back into the tube! :) A lot of 'would be' painters try this, get frustrated if find can't keep up with the tv instructor and never paint again.
With most products you buy you get some sort of 30 day return if you don't like, half empty paint tubes are just non returnable.
If you find an instructor in the technique you wish to 'have a go' at, you will be able to ask the instructor 'in person' about any problems you encounter and you will end up with a finished painting (at least in our style) you will be proud to hang in your home, or give as a present.
Rates vary but my own charge for a days instruction in a wet on wet painting class is just £30. If you then find you want to continue painting you can go ahead and buy all the materials you need without the fear of wasting your hard earned cash.
Other Interests.
Before I began painting my main hobby was running The Clint Eastwood Appreciation Society for 20 years. I also researched and co-wrote a book on The Robin Hood Movies. so I suppose I've always had an artistic/creative side to my character that eventually led me to painting and now to instructing.
I love wildlife and walking in forests where I can photo the wonderful Trees that can be used as subjects in my paintings.
My wife Jackie, is also a crafter and demonstrates and makes her own greeting cards at our local craft village shop...
Mountain Ash Crafts. (
www.getcrafty.info) located in the nearby
Halfpenny Green Vineyards. (
www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk) , Jackie occasionally uses photos of my paintings on her cards (Bless!).
Amongst the other craft shops at the Vineyard, which also boasts a wonderful Tea Room serving cream teas to Sunday roasts, are, friend and Professional local artist, Linda who owns her own Art gallery,
Linda Rose Gallery. (www.lindarosegallery.co.uk) I've had the pleasure to paint with Linda in the past. Linda is a superb watercolour, abstract and portrait artist as well as painting in oils.
Gems, selling a unique range of gifts and natural therapy treatments, plus many others.
The Vineyard itself, apart from it's superb Tea Room also arrange tours around thier vine plantation and afterwards, the all important sampling of the finished product ! :) Cheers!
So anything you'd like to ask about a paint class with 'Painterman' :) Call or email and let's get you started.