My earliest recollection of painting seriously was around the age of five.

An uncle bought some good quality paper and asked that I should make a 'better' version of a previous drawing he had seen so it could be submitted to a national newspaper's annual art competition. I distinctly remember I would have much preferred being out with friends at the time but stuck to the task and duly completed the piece for him.

I didn't get anywhere with the competition but I have been painting ever since.