GARTH ALLAN

Watercolour Artist

Garth Allen is a watercolour artist specialising in marine, waterways, country and steam subjects. As a boy he train spotted and occasionally managed a footplate ride on the local line at Llandudno. Moving to Middlesex his love for the waterways first arose when he cycled along the canals near his home and discovered the working canal narrow boats which at that time were still carrying coal to London. He spent the summer months working the locks and occasionally managing to hitch a ride to the next lock. He became "hooked", and when married, he and his wife found a derelict narrow boat which they converted into a comfortable home. As President of the Staffs and Worcs Canal Society he negotiated for the restoration of the Stourbridge Canal, one of the earliest restoration schemes to be undertaken.

Garth trained as an engineer, then became Managing Director of a Multi - National. For some twenty years now he has returned to his childhood interest as a watercolour artist. In particular he loves the soft colours of watercolour, and trying to capture the atmospheric effects of sunlight and mist, and creating works which express the tranquillity of water.

Many of his works have been published as greetings cards through Lime Tree Studios Ltd., and can be purchased from most canalside shops. He accepts commissions for House and Boat Portraits, generally working from a combination of different photographs to create the most pleasing composition, and sometimes impossible views.

He is a member of the Guild of Waterway Artists. He exhibits at major Waterway Events including the National Waterways Festival, and has an annual solo exhibition in Guildford during the Autumn. He has also exhibited in Italy, USA and Belgium.

GARTH ALLAN, LIME TREE STUDIO, 2 GATEWAYS, GUILDFORD, GU1 2LF.

Tel. 01483 567088. Fax. 01483 505869.

Website: www.garthallan.co.uk