My idea of paradise is sitting on a windswept beach, miles from anywhere, sketching the birds and mammals that inhabit or pass over coastal regions. I'm such a sea fanatic that I learnt to dive - I was too buoyant so decided to give this up - and I surf with my daughter; ironically I sink a lot. I paint in watercolour, often using wax resist techniques. I sketch from nature, but also take photos for reference. My finished paintings are completed in the studio. I sculpt wildlife in soapstone and limestone too, which helps my drawing skills hugely. My biggest influences are David Curtis and Lars Jonsson, painter sof seemingly effortless skill and subtlety, and the Canadian sculptors Daniel and Sandy Cline.