My drawings and paintings are, for the most part, based on direct observation. I prefer to work with the subject matter in front of me as opposed to working from photographs. My aim is not so much to produce a photographic likeness but rather an emotional response to the subject matter as I see it. By working before the subject matter I am able to experience the weather (when outside), the atmosphere and the entire setting.
I was born in the Scottish Borders and first came to London to do my Foundation at Hornsey College of Art. I went on to Middlesex Polytechnic and then to the Royal College Art, where I continued to study textiles. On leaving the RCA, I freelanced in textile design until I made the switch to painting in the early 1980s. I have exhibited on a regular basis and have taught at a number of art schools, including Middlesex University.
Currently, I work from my studio in Stoke Newington; I also continue to teach part-time.
Solo exhibitions
| 2007 | Sutton House, Hackney, London E9. |
| 1996 | Heifer Gallery, Islington, London. |
| 1991 | Tall House Gallery, Southwark, London. |
| 1986-9 | Mainhill Gallery, Jedburgh, Scotland. |
| 1982 | Axis Gallery, Brighton. |
Selected group exhibitions
| 2020 | Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London. | |
| 2017 | Suraya Arts Spring Exhibition. | |
| Art in the Round, Ice House Gallery, Holland Park. | ||
| Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries. | ||
| 2016 | Suraya Arts Spring Exhibition. | |
| National Open Print Exhibition, Bankside Gallery. | ||
| 2014 | Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery Open Exhibition, London. | |
| 2012 | Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside Gallery, London. | |
| Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London. | ||
| 2011 | Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Mall Galleries, London. | |
| Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Competition, King’s Place Gallery, London. | ||
| Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London. | ||
| 2009 | Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London. | |
| 2005-6 | Battersea Art Fair, London. | |
| 2005 | Images in the City, Geffrye Museum, London. | |
| 2003 | National Print Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London. | |
| 2001-3 | Glasgow Art Fair. | |
| 1996-8 | Artists in Print, Atrium Gallery, London. | |
| 1993 | City Gallery, Leicester. | |
| 1985 | Thirty Young Artists, Royal Overseas League, London. | |
| 1984 | Royal Academy Summer Show, London. | |
| 1983 | Whitechapel Open, London. |
