I started painting seriously when I was 16 years old and still at school.

At that time there were only a few artists who specialized in Steam Trains. The best train painters were David Shepherd and Terence Cuneo… I wanted to paint like them.

It took many years to achieve this artistic ambition. What was amazing to me was that there was a whole lot more to learning to paint than steam engines. I found that there was other stuff that had to be done to make each painting interesting and lifelike.

In the process of learning to paint in oils I realized that I had to understand landscape painting… trains cross through countryside that changes by the mile, from open fields to dark hills. I had to take notice of how the weather would change colors and texture. There were people and animals that needed to be painted… And, there was so much more to learn.

As time went by I discovered that I could draw and paint many subjects that I never imagined when I began as an artist. It has been a great adventure that has allowed me to learn to draw with charcoal, pencil and inks. There have been the thrills of painting in oils, watercolor, acrylics and pastels.

Now, I want to share with you some of what I have experienced and introduce you to great artists who are enthusiastic about Art… These are artists who are keen to help you become the artist you want to be.

Yours

Michael Dale