My Painting Life

Few artists possess David Shepherd's combination of talent and truly popular appeal. He modestly suggests that his success is a result of good fortune and being in the right place at the right time, but for those who know his work, it is obvious that its attraction stems from the wholehearted enthusiasm with which he embraces his subjects - his paintings are suffused with the life, emotion and colour which reflect David's own personality. Combining over 60 of his very best paintings with an endearingly lively autobiographical text, the book takes a fresh look at the fascinating life of this irrepressible artist. From his first influences and training with Robin Goodwin, through early struggles and successes, and on to the leaps and bounds of his subsequent career, David tells his tale with honesty and sincerity. He pays tribute to the people, and animals, who have helped him along the way, and express his total commitment to the cause of wildlife conservation, as well as his lifelong love of what he calls "big toys" - steam trains, airplanes and ships. David regards his life as a marvelous adventure, and his talent for telling it "how it happened" draws us in, enabling us to share and enjoy his experiences to the full. This outstanding collection of paintings reflects every facet of David Shepherd's personality and experience. He says he is lucky to have had the opportunities that he has had in his life; we are lucky that he has chosen to share them with us through his words and pictures.