David Best

Biography

I initially trained as a draughtsman in the field of engineering and have always enjoyed ink drawing. In 2003 I began painting and joined the local art societies in Windermere and Ambleside and have been selling paintings at local exhibitions and events ever since. I have won awards for "best in show" and voted "public favourite" and my painting "Leading the Tour" was shown in the Leisure Painter magazine. My painting style has developed with influence from early 20th century art including post-impressionism and cubism, and I particularly admire the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, the Scottish Colourists and Paul Klee. I would describe my paintings as a type of abstract realism, as it is the interaction of many abstract shapes that make up the image as a whole. I am inspired by the landscapes and activities of people.