I’ve been doodling for as long as I can remember—through school, college, and university—much to the dismay of most of my teachers, at least until A Level. Pursuing a career in the arts felt like a natural progression. For years, I worked as a freelance digital illustrator, designing album covers, band tees, posters, and similar projects. However, around 2022, I started feeling uneasy about the growing influence of AI in the creative industry. That’s when I decided to shift to painting, and I haven’t looked back since.
How does North Shields inspire your work? Any local artists or creatives who’ve had an impact on you? North Shields inspires me simply because I’m North Shields born and bred, I spent my teenage years exploring every inch of the place. So it’s no surprise really why I paint the subject matter I do. Since I started painting I often find myself struck by little moments—like the way a shadow falls across a back lane while I’m out walking the dog. These details can stop me in my tracks, they feel so natural as subject matter. I’m not forcing it; it’s just about noticing the beauty in the everyday.
I might walk the same street a thousand times, but one day, something about the light and shadow will feel completely new. I aim to reflect those fleeting moments in my work. That said, I don’t try to dictate a story to the viewer. I’d rather let them interpret the scene themselves. My job is to create the framework for the viewer—they get to decide what it means to them.
My goal is to reflect those moments in my work. That said, I don’t try to tell a specific story to the viewer—I’d rather leave the interpretation open. My role is to set the scene; it’s up to the viewer to decide what it means to them. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of support, particularly from my family. I’ve also had some brilliant teachers along the way. Studying art and photography at Tynemouth College was especially formative—it solidified my path. As for painting, I lived in Brighton between 2012 and 2017, working in a pub. One of the regulars was Andrew Gifford, a painter originally from Middlesbrough who studied at Newcastle University. He gave me a book of his Newcastle paintings, which are absolutely stunning (and worth checking out!). That book sat on my shelf for years, but during the last COVID lockdown, I picked it up again and really studied it. I thought, “I’m going to give this a try.” Since then, I’ve been hooked. Painting has completely changed how I see the world, which I didn’t expect.
What would you like to see more of in North Shields to help support and celebrate artists like yourself? A community-led public exhibition space in North Shields would be fantastic—a central hub where artists, residents, and visitors could come together to celebrate creativity in all its forms. While we’re lucky to have great resources already—like the reopened Globe and venues that encourage artists to showcase their work—there’s still room for growth. A dedicated, accessible venue could provide opportunities for emerging and established creatives alike. It could host workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects involving the local community, making art more inclusive and accessible.
If you were to paint something that captures the heart of North Shields, what would it look like? What story would it tell? I hope all my paintings of North Shields capture a little of the area’s essence. It’s not just about painting landmarks—it’s about the nuts and bolts of Shields, the everyday sights and moments that make it unique. For me, the beauty of North Shields lies in its simplicity and authenticity.
Your studio is located in North Shields—can you tell us more about it and why you chose North Shields as a base? It’s a short walk from my house, haha. It’s in Lighthouse Studios, which is a great place to work—though it’s a bit cold in winter, but aren’t all studios? There’s so much amazing work being created there by talented people across all kinds of art forms.
I have to give a special shoutout to Keith Barrett, an incredible sculptor, friend, and the studio owner. He let me build a mezzanine studio above my partner’s (@alysondonnellyceramics) pottery studio. It’s been the perfect setup.
You can see my work on Instagram (@ad.paintingz) or my website (www.adillustration.co.uk). I also have a solo show coming up at Republic Gallery (@republic_gallery) in Blyth on March 22nd, where I’ll be showcasing a brand-new collection of paintings—including several North Shields pieces.
I do take commissions! If you have something in mind, drop me a message—I’d love to create something special for you. Instagram is a great place to reach me, or you can email me at [email protected].
