I am a largely self-taught artist born in Whitley Bay in the north east and a proud geordie, husband of over 30 years and father of three sons. As a recently retired Science teacher I took up art late in life. Perhaps due to my biology, ecology and oceanography background I prefer to paint landscapes especially river and coastal scenes in a traditional style using acrylics.  I have also painted with watercolour and oil as well as tried my hand at mixed media,  As I progress I am starting to become more free and experimental in my painting as exemplified by “Bluebell Wood Sunrise”. I am fascinated by the artists’ struggle to put light, transparency and dimension into an essentially reflective, opaque and flat medium.

My inspiration comes from many sources but as a committed Christian I believe that ultimately all creativity is inspired by the Holy Spirit i.e. God created all the beauty we see in nature and that any talent I have comes from him. My art is an offering back in a hope to bless Him and others.

Reverend Canon J. John wrote:

“Creativity has been built into every one of us: it is part of our design. Each of us lives less of the life God intended for us when we choose not to live out the creative gifts God gave us.”

godandpoliticsuk.org/2014/07/12/vincent-van-gogh-the-theologian-and-missionary/

… and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. (Exodus 35:31-33 ESV)

Colin McQueen 2017