About Ian

Ian was born in Rothesay, Isle of Bute and attended Rothesay Academy. He trained at Glasgow School of Art, where he won two design competitions. This was followed by teacher training at Jordanhill College of Education.

Ian chose to explore the world of commercial art and graphic design. 

Roles on this journey included Art Director and Creative Director; among his peers were some of the UK's top commercial artists and illustrators. 

An illustration course with the London College of Art enhanced his drawing skills and further honed his professional creative ability.

During a distinguished career spanning twenty plus years, Ian was awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Designers. His packaging design work has received several UK and international awards.

As a fine artist, Ian aims to evoke an emotional attachment with the subject matter, be it a memory of a place, an object, time of day or experience. His hallmark is to work in a broad brush style, with a belying simplicity, exploring the interplay of rich bold colour and texture. 

Influences include Impressionism and Fauvism. 

Ian believes people should aim to sense a painting in addition to appreciating it from a purely visual standpoint.

Before returning home Ian was teaching art and design full time in Secondary Education. 

He now lives on the Isle of Bute with his wife Helen (who's still waiting to be done in oils) and continues to enjoy painting.