Early Life and Education

• Born: June 16, 1957, Nottingham, United Kingdom
• Family moved frequently due to his father's service in the Royal Air Force.
• Attended various schools across Europe including St George’s School in Gibraltar and Sandwick School in the Shetland Isles.
• Studied fine arts, graphic design, and photography at Hereford College of Art and Design.
• Earned a Cert Ed teaching qualification at Polytechnic Southwest.
• Obtained a degree in Psychology via part-time study at the British Open University.

Academic Career and Technological Contributions

• Lecturer in Information & Computer Technology at Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University.
• Visiting Professor at Technical University of Liberec (Neisse University), Czech Republic.
• Researched the uses of Web 2.0 in education.
• Published over 150 scholarly articles on e-learning.
• Authored five books related to learning technology and innovative pedagogy.
• Awarded a Fellowship by the European Distance and E-learning Network (EDEN) in 2008 and a Senior Fellowship in 2017.
• Active edublogger, writing regularly on his blog Learning with 'e's.

Artistic Development and Style: "Whimsical Realism"

• Explores “Whimsical Realism” as an artistic style.
• Artwork featured on WikiOO.org.
• Influenced by a desire to blend scholarly insight with captivating artwork.
• Depicts subjects with a unique perspective, often incorporating elements of fantasy and imagination within realistic settings.
• Notable work includes "Laura and Georgie, Respiratory Physicians," showcasing his ability to portray individuals with both accuracy and artistic flair.

Influences and Artistic Lineage

• Early influences included Paul Klee and Joan Miró, whose exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in 1941 were particularly impactful.
• Inspired by Northwest Coast Indian art, incorporating its linear stylization and symbolic language into his own work.
• Drew from anthropological texts to understand the formal and symbolic principles of Native American art.
• Shared artistic connections with Peter Busa and Robert Barrell, fellow students at the Art Student's League.

Historical Significance and Legacy

• A unique figure bridging the worlds of academia and art.
• His work in education technology has been widely recognized, contributing to advancements in e-learning and innovative pedagogy.
• As an artist, he offers a distinctive perspective on contemporary life through his "Whimsical Realism" style.
• Continues to inspire both educators and artists with his interdisciplinary approach and creative vision.