With no formal artistic training, though I do recall enjoyment of art classes at school but did not pursue it further, I came to art through a shared interest of paintings with my wife Trina. We always loved visiting galleries and still do at the slightest opportunity.

 I have run our own gallery since 2001, then our second in 2019 and being surrounded by art everyday, both at home and at work, I found a keen enthusiasm and desire to paint for myself. The opportunity to express myself through painting images that I enjoy has proved to be very rewarding. My inspiration comes from family holidays, stunning landscapes that I have been lucky enough to experience and artists that I admire such as JMW Turner, and more currently, Robert Kelsey, James Fullarton and Darryl Nantais. To the latter I owe much gratitude for his support and encouragement.

 I love the joy of colour, the feeling of texture and the depths of contrast, whether as seen in flowers, stunning sunsets, beautiful coasts or the tranquillity and then sudden drama of
the Scottish Isles. I believe my paintings to be honest, uncomplicated impressions and expressions of what I feel and have seen and would like to respectfully share.

Karl Backhurst