I am a freelance artist based in Ashfield, Notts UK living on the
doorstep of the beautiful forests of Sherwood.
My schooling
years were a struggle, being dyslexic in the 60’s and 70’s was no fun but
having the ability to draw and express myself through art was a saving grace.
After an enlightening two-year Art Foundation course at Chesterfield,
Derbyshire I stepped out of education and found work in factories and the local
stone quarries.
By my
mid-twenties I had built up enough contacts to start my journey as a full-time
freelance creative. For nine years I was a published cartoon illustrator but over the following years graphic design, photography and film making became my revenue stream.
Throughout all this period I’d continued drawing and painting and in the early 90’s my painting style was becoming more abstract. I found new meaning in my art by exploring this freeform style; it became a vehicle for pure expression and a way to gain clarity of thought.
In 1995, I began leading art workshops at a mental health residential facility in Peterborough. Moving beyond technical instruction or representational art, my goal was to empower individuals to use art as a medium for unique self-expression. I found it inspiring to witness students discovering creative ways to engage in personal self-reflection during those initial sessions.
This
was the start of new chapters. From that point I started working with arts and
community organisations delivering workshops focused on creativity and well-being
through expressive painting.
My own journey in art has been crucial in my work as a creative tutor. I have seen the value
and power of art and how the people I work with have found liberation and focus
through painting.
I paint for my own fulfilment; I’m not commercially driven but I do take great reward
in seeing others discover their inner artist too.
What my students have said:
"I found it remarkably satisfying for such simple exercises. I felt I was creating something of deep meaning and
considerable beauty." - Paul
"A huge thank you Dan for being a great tutor and for providing really interesting exercises. I have certainly developed and I am much freer in my painting as a result" - Ruth
“It’s refreshing because everyone has a different style of painting and seeing other peoples work inspired me, it’s been great for my head " - Tom
"Dan thank you for your gentle, quiet, patient approach to us and guiding us in to this exploring in paint!" - Lynette
“Really enjoyed the session & loved the
fact that it was so inclusive for all. It was so much fun... like being a child
again :)” - K
