Alan English

March 13, 2020 Artists

Allan English has an eye for beauty whether crafted by God, or manmade. The joy of transferring these images onto paper using the medium of watercolour is what drives him to paint.

Allan began experimenting with painting following a premature retirement caused by the effects of infantry service in Vietnam in the late 1960’s. In the years since he has fulfilled a lifelong dream, by learning to paint. He is grateful to have been inspired by his friends, Lisbet Heath (a talented UK artist) and tutored by the prominent watercolour artists Nick Canosa, Christine Porter and Jenny McNaughton. More recently, as a member of the plein air painters of Australia group, friends including Ray Hill, Kasey Sealy, Phil Budge and Kim Robertson, have been a great encouragement.

Holidays have always been an important part of Allan’s life, so travel events and related subjects represent a significant section of his work. Early memories of beautiful beaches and tramp steamers sailing into the unknown off Caloundra are vividly etched into his mind. More recently, trips in Australia and overseas have provided him with fascinating material. His landscape depictions are derived from personal visits to the painted locations. The majority of his work is en plein air. Striking colours and effective detail are strong characteristics of his work.

Allan moved to the beautiful four-seasonal town of Stanthorpe with his wife, Heather, in 2001 after more than 20 years on the Sunshine Coast, and more recently to the hinterland town of Kilcoy. He has two adult children who follow his career with interest and hang his paintings proudly in their homes.

Allan hopes that viewing his paintings will give you as much pleasure as he gets from composing his art.