Nick was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire in 1959. Despite attaining an 'A' in Art, he was encouraged to go to University rather than Art School. He read Archaeology at Leicester University followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. In the early eighties Nick moved to the beautiful village of Great Bowden in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside. Living in the country and fuelled by frequent visits to Cornwall, Scotland and the Lake District he became much more interested in Landscape painting. This led to years of experimentation with different media which is when he discovered the vibrancy of acrylic inks, using them like watercolour paints. This was the beginning of a new enterprise. Through the years he gained the experience that gave him the encouragement he needed to take his art to the next level, professionally publishing his work and exhibiting in galleries throughout Britain. Nick now lives yards from the sea in Embleton on the fantastic Northumberland coast where he is inspired by the landscape and seascapes every day. Nick usually paints in his garden studio to the background of audio books on tape or CD. These are unabridged and can last up to 17 hours. He is so attuned to this way of working that he cannot paint without them. They are as much a part of the painting process as the paint or canvas. Having decided on the composition in a sketchbook, he carefully but quickly sketches in the detail. All this planning is often covered by the first coat of paint. He then decides on a 'mood colour which will unify the painting; however the first coat of paint may be the exact opposite. Nick paints with acrylics for their versatility and quick- drying properties. He paints quickly employing various textures, dribbles, splatters and scrapings.