My story

I was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and travelled widely before coming to study Art and Art History in Oxford in 1985. I settled in west Oxfordshire. At college I worked in drawing and dry media, printmaking and paperworks, but never in paint. I taught myself to paint much later.

My ‘natural’ medium is watercolour, but I also
use acrylics, acrylic inks, gouache and printmaking using the drypoint technique. Vibrant colour is a cornerstone of my work.

I especially like making hand-painted maps which I began exploring in 2010. Maps are a neat way of expressing very complex ideas.  

My influences include my worldwide travels, van Gogh, Gauguin, Hockney, Matisse, and 17th century Dutch and Flemish artists.

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In this short video I explain what makes me tick:

Inspiration

I am endlessly fascinated by the Mother Nature, science, geography and history. What I encounter when I’m out and about in the world frequently inspires my art. But there is plenty of inspiration at home here in rural west Oxfordshire, too.

Career

As well as being an artist, my varied career includes working in marketing and communications for charities, in education, and in the private sector. Memorable jobs include: horseback cattle-musterer, petrol pump attendant, and life drawing teacher.

At home

I am married to wildlife photographer Moth Clark. I have a grown-up daughter and son, a step-son, and two pampered cats, Skipper and Officer Dibble.

Exhibitions

I have taken part in Artweeks, Oxfordshire's visual arts festival, every year since 1999.

I have built a loyal following across the county, as well as hundreds of customers in the UK and around the world.

Since 2019, I have exhibited for Artweeks with my brother Paul Tomlinson, also an artist.

Artweeks 2025

My exhibition for Artweeks 2024 is over. However I will be open again in May 2025.

My exhibition will take place in my garden gallery at my home in Freeland, Oxfordshire, OX29 8AG, on Saturday 17, Sunday 18, Saturday 24, Sunday 25 ,and bank holiday Monday 26 May 2025, 12 noon to 5.30pm.

I will be showing my work alongside my brother Paul’s exquisite drawings of townscapes and the built environment.

My exhibition space is a large, light and airy conservatory in a beautiful garden. Come and have a look and have tea with us!

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