My world came apart in 1993 when I had a brain haemorrhage & post-operative severe stroke which left my right-side paralysed. I was in hospital for 13 months. Being right-handed, my world was even more of a mess than ever as my whole right arm was paralysed. It was so frustrating re-learning to draw and paint with my left hand there were times when I almost gave up.
Living near the sea in Wales, views I can see are changing all the time – sometimes ‘picture postcard’, sometimes stormy. I try to get outside most days, but not necessarily to paint ‘en plein air’. Painting a view in situ can be quite difficult when one has to carry everything on a wheelchair. I take a camera and sketchbook around with me and back home I can paint my recollection of what I’ve seen, triggered by the photos and sketches.
In 2012 I was joint-prize winner in Royal Cambrian Academy’s Open Exhibition in Conwy, & was Commended in 2013. I have paintings in private collections in Gt. Britain & Ireland, U.S.A, Norway, Sweden, & South Africa & I was featured as a “Success Story” by the magazine “Artists & Illustrators” in February 1998.

www.averilcliffordrees.com