The great thing about being a portrait painter is that it gives me the license to indulge in a journey of discovery that takes me beyond the physical characteristics of the subject and into intriguing areas such as their influences, values and behaviours.

I am fascinated by the differences in people, both visual and behavioural. Their facial contours, expressions and mannerisms define them, and what they may see as imperfections, I see as unique qualities owned by the wearer.

So where did this facial fascination of mine come from?

As a child, through the pictures I drew I learned the value of individualism. In my teenage years I attended art college where I fought hard t o retain my individualism against a backdrop of 'me too' abstraction. And as a twenty something I made the radical decision to downgrade painting in my life for what I thought were pastures new - first music, then design and finally strategy and business

It was only when I began painting seriously again, in the late 80's, that I discovered my pastures new were not as different as I'd thought. I realised the unique interest in all my endeavours was the same - a desire to know more about people, what drives them and their behaviours.

It's in the endless quest for understanding this stuff that provides a wonderful bridge between my painting and consultancy activities, where each discipline directly influences the other.