HELLO! I'm Robert A. Thompson BSc. CGLI. Cert. Ed. Self taught,  I paint landscapes, people, pets  and wild life in a variety of media. Please take a look using the navigation buttons at the top of the page. All work is for sale unless stated to the contrary. Note that the paintings I produce are usually signed using my first name, Robert, but throughout my life I've been 'Tony', a contraction of my middle name 'Anthony'.

I spent my much of my late 1940s childhood near the river and its environs, a mile or so North-East of York city. I was drawn to the boats, the buildings, the trees and the wild life. And yes, I used photography, starting at around 10 years of age with a box Brownie camera, attempting somewhat unsuccessfully to capture the magic of nature in all its variety. But mostly, I looked in wonder. I spent countless hours in all weathers, simply observing: Observing the great and ancient Elms, the derelict boatyard, the beauty of nature*, the mystery of Winter mists and snow, the floods of Spring and Summer thunderstorms; all of which endlessly fascinated me - and frankly, still do.

Photography was not enough. I needed to express my creativity. Of course I started as most very young children do, with watercolour, attempting to recreate some of the glorious things I'd seen. By age 15 I was experimenting with oil painting, producing passable (to me at least) landscapes as well as continuing my interest in watercolour. Today I am remain inspired by the England of my childhood: The vast canopy of the sky when high on the open North Yorkshire moors, Autumns and Winters in countryside and coast, the picturesque North Norfolk coast and of course the Yorkshire dales and the Lake District. Venerable and quaint buildings, times past and the old and interesting have always fascinated me, as do beautiful people (but beauty is in the beholder's eye and is often from within. I like to depict those who are impressive in their work and lives, often against great odds.)

After a varied working life, first in printing plate stereotyping and then as a radio, TV and electronics engineer, I qualified as a teacher and entered the teaching profession, eventually becoming the Head of the Faculty of Art, Design and Technology, Beverley Grammar School. over 25 years I taught creative metalwork, graphics, technical drawing, product design, electronic product design, silversmithing and art. After retiring in 2001 I studied on the Open University and gained my BSc. to add to my teaching, trade and City and Guilds qualifications. My first and perhaps from my perspective the most interesting OU course was ‘From enlightenment to Romanticism’, which covered the arts spectrum. Throughout the years I have continued to sketch and paint, mainly in watercolour but now increasingly in mixed media, pen, colour pencil, charcoal and pastels. I have exhibited in shows in the East Riding of Yorkshire. There's almost no limit to my choice of subject. Landscape or townscape, people and animals. Other interests include writing (I am a published author of text books and a magazine contributor), photography, music, advanced DIY.

I am open to commissions. Why not ask for a quote? Absolutely NO obligation and you may be surprised at the reasonable cost! Contact me on rt930279@gmail.com

*My heart leaps up when I behold

A rainbow in the sky:

So was it when my life began:

So is it now I am a man;

So be it, when I shall grow old,

Or let me die!

The child is father of the man;

And I could wish my days to be

Bound each to each by natural piety.

-Wordsworth