Graduate's exhibition in United Arab Emirates

Christine graduated from St. Martin’s School of Art, London with a BA(Hon) in Graphic Design in 1976. After working as a graphic designer in London she completed a post-graduate PGCE in Secondary Art at  Exeter in 1994. Then her teaching career began as an art teacher in secondary schools where she achieved an “outstanding” Ofsted report for her last department. During this time she took part in a two week “Drawing Marathon” in New York and was subsequently offered a year-long scholarship. On her return from the US she decided to become a professional artist and ran private courses and a studio near her Dorset home.

Three years ago she bought her husband a falconry experience day as a gift and at the end of the visit realised she had fallen in love with the majestic birds. She began creating works of art from her photos and visited more falconry centres to see the birds first hand. Christine uses a range of materials including charcoal, acrylic and oil paints in her work.

She said: “I was drawn to these birds because as well as being beautiful they have such energy and power. It has become my passion and challenge to find ways to convey those qualities in my drawings and paintings.”

While her art has received interest within the UK, Christine realised that it would be popular in the United Arab Emirates which is viewed as the home of falconry. A friend who lives in Abu Dhabi helped her and the result was her first show at Avenue at Etihad Towers, under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. 

Christine added: “I have had 34 works of art on show and it has been thrilling to see them all together. I have sold some and received commissions but best of all has been the very positive reaction my work has had from the people who have visited this exhibition.”

After the show Christine was invited to display 8 large paintings in the foyer of the British School in Abu Dhabi. She also spent a day in the art department talking to pupils and students about her work and delivering two workshops; once again bringing the two threads of her career together, teaching and art.