ART FOR VETERANS
I do my painting digitally with results that, as you will see, look similar to acrylic paintings. I can then have them printed as giclees in a variety of different ways: canvas, aluminium, acrylic and also personalised gifts such as mugs, cushions, jigsaws, coasters etc. All the proceeds from my painting go to SSAFA - The Armed Forces Charity.
53 years ago, as an RAF Buccaneer pilot, I was posted to a squadron in Germany, and with no British television there at the time, I needed an evening pastime (other than socialising and drinking), so I thought I’d have a go at oil painting - but without much success. Finally retiring from aviation at the age of 75, and having found oils rather “too messy”, I thought I would have a go at acrylic and watercolour instead.
I loved the look, but I couldn’t get the accuracy I wanted, so I tried digital painting on my iPad (It worked for David Hockney!). I really love this medium, as my pictures can be printed onto a variety of materials, in different sizes, and with the accuracy I want.
As Chairman of the Sussex Branch of SSAFA, I decided to use my art to raise money for the charity, which looks after service personnel, veterans, and their families in times of need. This all costs money, so I wanted to do my bit to make sure we are able to carry on giving a great service.