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. In exploring this freeform style I was discovering new
values in my art as a way of pure expression, a way to understand and find some
clarity of thought.
In 1995 I was invited to lead art workshops at a mental health residential home in
Peterborough. I had no interest in teaching technique or figurative
representational art, but to facilitate individuals to engage with art as a
form of unique expression was my goal. I was excited and inspired by these initial
sessions as my students discovered new ways to express their emotions and inner
thoughts.
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
