-I grew up in Gloucestershire and moved to Paris in my early twenties to learn to paint. I learnt by absorbing myself into a world of galleries, museums and life-drawing classes, going everywhere with a camera and sketchbook. Paris filled my head with ideas but I was overwhelmed. A trip to Italy brought some clarity: In the Cathedral of Borgo San Sepolcro I saw the 'Resurrection' by Piero della Francesca and I then knew I would always want to paint people and to capture life in a still, distilled moment. From the Italian Early Renaissance artists I learnt that it is possible to show a depth of feeling without words or drama. I had found a footing and a language I could bring to the present day. -Top artists: Piero della Francesca, Georges de la Tour, van Gogh, Frances Bacon, Chagall, Bridget Riley. -After living for 15 years in London I moved to Dorset where I live with my family and other animals. That landscape, my family and friends, everyday life and the imposing speed of change in the world around me, which I feel bound to treat optimistically, are what and why I paint.