Paul Spilsbury

Biography

I'm from Manchester, England, and I began to teach myself to paint 20 years ago. I hold a PTLLS certificate which qualifies me to instruct adults in colleges of further education. Unfortunately, due to 'austerity cuts', that sector is pretty much obsolete now. I have sold dozens of paintings to private collectors and friends, either from commissions or exhibiting my work in a pub in Salford (sadly closed down now). I have tried several times, unsuccessfully, to gain the patronage of a gallery. Each time I have been told 'Sorry, but we're not taking on new artists at the moment'. The problem is, galleries won't take artists without a proven track record of sales, but artists can't really get a proven track record of sales without a gallery. Catch 22 then. But, no matter. I love painting and I have taught free watercolour courses for beginners at local community centres which have been well-received. I shall simply see where my Art takes me and continue to enjoy the pleasure (and pain!) of painting.