I studied for three years at the Walsall and Stafford Schools of Art. In the 1950's art students spent at least two days and one evening in the life class. The rigorous discipline of close observation and drawing developed in the life class was one of the benefits which has lasted but it did not enable me to support myself as a painter.

Disillusioned I turned to mathematics and gained a Master's Degree at Loughborough University. For some years the compulsive urge to draw and paint became relegated to a recreational activity which enlivened my holidays and week-ends. Now I've given up the day job and become a painter again.

It was through mathematics that I became interested in writing HTML code for websites and in the new creative field of digital imaging. Computer graphics offer a challenging new field of opportunity for artists. Just using the computer to scan paintings to make cheap reproductions is to avoid the real creative challenge of digital graphics. Currently I'm learning to use Corel Painter IX both to create web images and to produce oriiginal paintings.

My creative output mirrors the things I care about, draws on my experiences, and generally tries to interpret what the eye likes. For me art also embraces a tradition of sound craftsmanship–I'm driven by a desire to make well crafted artefacts that will give lasting pleasure.

Robert Kirk Feb.2006