Andrew Rapley
I'm someone who has always enjoyed using my hands - from carrying out DIY projects around the house and garden, to making toys for my children and grandchildren, I'm happiest when keeping busy. When I retired I found that my increased leisure time meant I could increase the amount of creative projects I carried out. I soon decided that I wanted to push myself creatively and so began by upcycling reclaimed pallet timber into garden and children's furniture, spice and wine racks and bird houses. Reusing old timber, considered by many to be only fit for the bonfire, and turning it into something useful and even beautiful, offers me a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. Having turned my hand to various projects in wood I decided to test my artistic skills further by taking up painting. Working with watercolours initially I found painting with acrylic more to my liking. I particularly love exploring the wonders of the sky and waterscapes, trying to capture the many colours and vibrancy to be found in nature. I also enjoy painting wildlife for the opportunity to capture the colour, shapes and energy in each living subject. For me nature has been the driving force behind my desire to paint and offers me the chance to explore and interpret the world around me. My hope is that others enjoy my intepretation and presentations.
