Hi this is my first blog!
So first I will tell you about myself. I'm 50 years old and trained as a doctor many years ago. I worked for 15 years for the NHS in the field of psychiatry but retired in 2003 due to ill health. My recovery is patchy and ongoing. I am however able to teach from home for the Open University. The subjects I teach are mental health and human biology. I started to feel an urge to develop my artistic side but didn't know where to start. I dabbled with photography in 2007 but in 2013 I decided I would like to try botanical art. I joined the Isle of Purbeck Arts Group and still go there regularly on a Tuesday morning at the Catholic Church Hall in Swanage.
I decided I wanted to take things further and considered a degree in art. However I only wanted to focus on drawing and painting and the price was prohibitive. I decided to take a series of 10 lessons at L'Artishe, Swanage. With the advice and support from Sharon James I developed my own style. I was inspired by wood cuts and zentangle. Liking the fine detail and "doodling" I then went on to do a pointillism style.
My first exhibition was at L'Artishe last year which was a great success. I then took part in Dorset Art Weeks, again with good results. I worked hard by going to various art and craft fairs in Wareham, Dorchester, Blandford and Poole where I made some good sales but also got my name known in the area.
Having offers from various galleries I opted for Sansom in Swanage where I can display my work permanently, as well as selling an exclusive range with Seasons Green in Corfe Castle. I have recently also been approached by the Tourist Information Centre in Wareham where I will be selling prints and cards.
So first I will tell you about myself. I'm 50 years old and trained as a doctor many years ago. I worked for 15 years for the NHS in the field of psychiatry but retired in 2003 due to ill health. My recovery is patchy and ongoing. I am however able to teach from home for the Open University. The subjects I teach are mental health and human biology. I started to feel an urge to develop my artistic side but didn't know where to start. I dabbled with photography in 2007 but in 2013 I decided I would like to try botanical art. I joined the Isle of Purbeck Arts Group and still go there regularly on a Tuesday morning at the Catholic Church Hall in Swanage.
I decided I wanted to take things further and considered a degree in art. However I only wanted to focus on drawing and painting and the price was prohibitive. I decided to take a series of 10 lessons at L'Artishe, Swanage. With the advice and support from Sharon James I developed my own style. I was inspired by wood cuts and zentangle. Liking the fine detail and "doodling" I then went on to do a pointillism style.
My first exhibition was at L'Artishe last year which was a great success. I then took part in Dorset Art Weeks, again with good results. I worked hard by going to various art and craft fairs in Wareham, Dorchester, Blandford and Poole where I made some good sales but also got my name known in the area.
Having offers from various galleries I opted for Sansom in Swanage where I can display my work permanently, as well as selling an exclusive range with Seasons Green in Corfe Castle. I have recently also been approached by the Tourist Information Centre in Wareham where I will be selling prints and cards.