Figure Drawings and Painting

— Ink drawings and oil on canvas paintings

I have long been a believer in drawing as an important ingredient of visual art practice and I have also long believed that life drawing is a very good way to hone that skill. An ability to create an accurately observed drawing is a strong beginning, but to add expression and let the materials influence your path leads to a really vibrant portrayal and says something of the artist as well as the model. I have taught life drawing at the St. Ives School of Painting for many years and enjoy it thoroughly, especially on the courses involving experimental approaches, including drawing from moving models. Figures have not featured in my paintings for some time but recently have been creeping in and may have a narrative role on occasions.