For enquiries about commissioning a portrait or to view work or pricing, contact: Max Dolding, Tel: +44 (0)7799 414 270 or e-mail

Biography

I was born in and ‘bombed out’ of London in 1940 and raised in South Benfleet, Essex. After which I was educated at King Johns School, Thundersleigh and finally qualified in mechanical engineering at Manchester. After marrying Maureen, a classmate, I’ve spent a lifetime in high-tech sales to the international oil, chemical and nuclear industries.

Early retirement has allowed me to pursue a number of interests including birdwatching, fishing, music, walking, live theatre and ballet (watching not performing!). I was a semi-pro drummer in a modern jazz group for years and was told by my mother that her father played the ‘spoons’ in East End pubs. So much for my artistic pedigree!

Painting evening classes in the 80s provided a contrast to a hectic business life.  Now portrait painting in oils occupies a big part of my life and I’ve become fascinated by the way in which a likeness or character can be captured on canvas.

In recent years I have hugely benefited from tuition by various members of the Royal Institute of Portrait Painters.