Phil spent the first eleven years of his life in Egypt, coming home to Taunton School and five years of Architectural College at Manchester University. He was a Senior partner with a firm of Cheshire architects, then changed career in the early 1980s. He runs a design, print and illustration studio, where he also teaches watercolour painting and architectural illustration. He has been exhibiting for some years, and now paints mostly in watercolour. As can be expected from an architect, his paintings tend to contain buildings, and reflect his deep love and understanding of the countryside. Many paintings reflect his rather quirky sense of humour and his ongoing battle with poorly conceived town planning! His work has been exhibited and used in Greece and Mallorca as well as in the U.K.. Phil is a member of the Regional Society of Architectural Illustration, he is co-ordinator of the Coastal Art Group art-related organisations. He is always seeking life-drawing models, when his wife isn't looking!

The County of Northumberland

One of the remarks Phil most often overhears from visitors is that he is very lucky to be able to live and work in such a fantastic area. He agrees! Although the coalmines, the heavy industry and the deep-sea fishing have almost gone from the north-east, the wild and largely untamed countryside is still there but threatened by 100s of wind turbines . Red squirrels live here in one of their last strongholds, and a country walk or drive frequently involves slowing down for badgers, deer, various game birds and foxes. Round every corner is an old farm steading, the remains of a Pele Tower, a sleepy village or a grand castle. Phil paints it - warts and all - with accuracy and a sympathetic eye. His work is always pictorial and recognisable for what it is. You will never wonder which way to hang his paintings!