Brief biography

I paint landscape - mostly but not exclusively British - in watercolour, animals both wild and tame in a variety of mixed media. Please note that the paintings I produce are usually signed using my first name, Robert, but throughout my life I've been 'Tony'. A case of split personality? Not really. I blame my parents!


Brief Biography
From a very early age my primary interest was painting and drawing,  I started from humble beginnings, secondary education in York in the 1950s.  I began work in a printing works aged 15, naively believing that my interest in art would serve me well. Instead I found a previously unsuspected claustrophobia , although I did become extremely proficient at making printing plates!
At that time I was producing landscapes in oils as well as continuing my interest in watercolour. I moved on to working as a television serviceman and driving around the open Yorkshire countryside, which I loved and still love, compelled me to paint, by that time in my early twenties, exclusively in watercolour. Then I went on an intensive teacher training course for people with suitable industrial qualifications.
It was a marvellous course with silversmithing, jewellery making, metal casting such as lost wax, graphic art, English language and literature especially poetry - and inspiring lecturers.
After the training I entered the teaching profession, eventually rose to become the Head of the Faculty of Art, Design and Technology, Beverley Grammar School. Graphics, product design, electronics, technical drawing, silversmithing and art. 
Retiring in 2001, not early for a British teacher but earlier than I would have wished due to health problems, I studied on the Open University and gained my BSc. 
Over these many years I have continued to paint, mainly in watercolour. I have exhibited  in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I love landscape – the coastal areas of North Norfolk and Yorkshire, the Lake district especially – and I also enjoy portraying animals both domesticated and wild.
As well as my landscapes, I am pleased to offer portraits on commission for your favourite pet, person or place, working from photographs.
Other interests include writing (I am a published author), photography, music, all forms of DIY and property maintenance. I also make things and over the years have built several rocking horses, much furniture and even a cabin cruiser for canal or river use. 

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