I came under the spell of Cornwall as a child in the 50's and later realised that St Ives was the 'Mecca' for Modern Art, second only to New York. Although my career was in Finance, in London, I used the local 'evening institutes' to learn as much as possible about the making of art and I especially enjoyed 'life' drawing. I became a member of the Hesketh Hubbard Drawing Society at the Federation of British Artists' Mall Galleries and I attended the Sutton College of Liberal Arts where I studied Art and Graphic Design. Then I was accepted for a Fine Arts Portfolio course at the London Institute. This brilliant course was run by Peter 'Stan' Stanver of the Chelsea School of Art. During holidays I also attended many excellent courses at the St Ives School of Painting under the guidance of Roy Ray and his staff of professional artists.
I retired early from my occupation in the City with the intention of painting full time. When I moved to St Ives in January 2000 I was invited to join the St Ives Arts Club. It was clear that it was verging on a renaissance and I was fortunate to be asked to be President at this time to help guide through the necessary changes and bring the building and club back to life. I am also a member of the 'Porthmeor Group' of painters and a Trustee of the St Ives School of painting.
I am inspired by painters as diverse as: Matisse, Rouault, de Chirico, Piper and Tapies and by the creative atmosphere and scenery here in the Penwith peninsular. In studying the work of other established artists I am developing my own language to express my personal vision. My painting is going through a constant process of growth and development and I use various materials and pallets.
In my current work I am exploring the use of varying perspectives to create a dynamic composition which sends the eye on a search for harmony; the overall 'design' being more important than 'truth'.
paul stayne