Alastair initially trained as an illustrator through which he developed his interest in figurative and portrait painting. In the years since he has established a strong reputation as a commissioned portrait artist, his dynamic but natural and unassuming portraits earning him many high profile commissions and acclaim through national and international exhibitions.
After becoming a member of the RP in 2002 Alastair became Hon Treasurer 2005. In 2008 was made President. In this capacity he hopes to continue to build upon the Societies history and strong reputation as a source for high quality, original and inventive world leading commissioned portraiture.
He also aims to promote a higher level of debate around the application and interpretation of portraiture, whilst providing a platform for the encouragement and support of contemporary figure and portrait based work, produced as part of an incisive, observationally centred, drawing and painting language.
Alastair holds a research based lecturing position at Loughborough University and has published papers on commissioned portraiture and the application of life drawing within a modern educational context. He is also Chair of the University’s Drawing Research Group