Paul is a self taught artist, despite having no formal training, he always has had an abundance of passion and an eye for detail.
Paul's artworks throughout the years, has won him numerous awards and his distinctive work has been featured on ITV and BBC, radio and in national and regional press.
In more recent years, Paul has included intricate and uniquely made wire sculptures to his portfolio. His life-size creations have been exhibited in National Trust Property Gardens, commissioned exhibitions and events, including 100 years of the Dog Trust at RHS Hampton Court Palace. Aintree Grand National racecourse and for Council Museums and Local Authorities. In 2020, during Lockdown, Paul created Inktails Mouse. More about this delightful and uplifting creature can be read about on the Inktails Mouse page.
Paul's earlier years, at the beginning of the 1970's were in one of Manchester's suburbs, Hattersley. There he played on the streets, which were a stone throw away from where L.S. Lowry lived.
Paul enjoyed drawing from a young age, at 16 years old, he left school and like many joined the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) and although he wished he had the opportunity to go to an art college. Being completely self-taught, Paul feels that having no formal art training has not hindered him. Indeed teaching himself to draw and paint without any particular instruction or technique was to be his own personal ‘great escape’. After a few printing jobs, when the machines were manually changed for inks, and a stint of being a postman. Paul, now in his mid 20's decided to try and make a living becoming a Professional Artist after having relative success at sell-out exhibitions and winning various art competitions.
Over the next decade, Paul picked up two National Publishers and his paintings were reproduced and sold to Art Galleries and Framers across the UK. His popular paintings had him nominated as One of the Country's Top Selling Artist at the Fine Art Trading Awards on three different occasions.
Paul continued to exhibit to sell his artwork, then an opportunity arose to create a visual presence outside a building which was hosting one of his weekend art shows. He decided that he would make a giant leaping wire hare from the simple use of bending garden wire. For a first sculpture, it was in mammoth proportions, at almost 15ft long and over 8ft high. It was the first of many sculptures that he would then go on to make.
In 2014, Paul opened his High Street Gallery in the large village of Poynton, in Cheshire with his wife, Samantha. Ten years on, the gallery has become a firm village favourite on the high street and has a lovely loyal customer base who many have become friends.
His sculptures can be instantly seen, Paul's Wire Dog ‘Patch’ leans up against the window outside when the Gallery is open. There is a wire fox called ‘Copper’ who sits happily on his bin Occasionally his much admired and impressive wire horse head sculpture makes an appearance and the intricate detailed equine beast, entitled `To the Wire` is a real head turner whenever it appears on the high street. Inside, there is a great collection of Paul’s latest artworks and merchandise from Originals to Homeware goods. Including, a year-round exhibition of talented fellow artists including painters, jewellers, ceramics, glass and felt makers.
Another element synonymous with Paul is his enjoyment of storytelling. His recent illustrations of Inktails Mouse, complete with heart warming messages are one of his more recent pastimes and pleasures. Accompanied by strap lines of positivity or simple sketches to make one smile. These have seemed to have captured our present times and feelings, as well as helping Paul himself on his art journey. All of these new sketches can be found on Paul's Blog and across his social media platforms.
So, that's a very brief insight to date... If you would like to share Paul's art journey or by keeping in touch with us. Please LIKE and FOLLOW our Facebook and Instagram platforms or by joining our mailing list at the bottom of the page.
