Born and brought up in a Welsh mining town in the Rhymney Valley, Al’s name derives from his Greek grandfather. Al graduated from Cardiff with a Degree in Fine Art and is now based in Hampshire where he paints full time.

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The human figure is Al’s main source of inspiration. His paintings are often composed of a single figure stripped of any obvious narrative. His work has an enduring quality and poses many questions. Strong light and dark pools of shadow are a major feature of his images. The structure of the paintings and the way the paint is applied are as important as the subject matter.

The changing face of nature is a focus in much of the work and the relationship between humans and nature is paramount. Issues regarding climate change are an underlying element within many recent paintings. One series of works is called ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’. The title comes from a poem written by Robert Frost that explores the idea that nothing good or precious can last forever. In this context, nature’s changes are a metaphor for the cycles of life and death, and the loss of innocence. In recent portraits Al has used the idea of a breeze as a metaphor for the changes in the climate we are now experiencing.

“I regard myself as a figurative painter but not a realist painter. The realism that I am interested in is the emotional connection made when making or looking at a painting. My work has been described as being able to conjure a feeling of thoughtful introspection. I use a restricted number of models to try and achieve my aim, which is to create something that is beautiful as well as interesting, contemporary as well as classical; something timeless”.

Al’s work is held in collections and galleries both in the UK and abroad.