Simon Fowler has been painting in oils for 45 years. "My interest in painting started when I was a boy watching my grandfather and learning from him," says Simon, who built and restored boats for many years, which drew him into woodcarving, forestry, tree surgery, horticulture and garden design. Simon has developed his own style that continues to evolve from his own instincts while still retaining some of his grandfather's influence, which he doesn't want to lose. "Recently I have moved away from canvas in favour of board, mainly to see how my painting would change. It has, for the better. I have also introduced some Italian pigment into my palette, which has brought a new vibrancy to my work. The looser less chalky textures blend and work well with my existing palette while also introducing more metallic pigments into the mix. Simon's paintings are in collections in many countries from Tasmania to Canada and he does not offer prints or cards. "I prefer to offer exclusivity of ownership of original oils," he says.