About

I was born in 1961, the son of Major Lawrence and Dorothy MacLean. I studied Theology at Kings College London before being ordained in 1988.

After thirty four years of ministry, my wife, Jacqueline, retired back to Cornwall where we have traced my ancestry back to an 18th century sailmaker in Falmouth.

During my ten years as Chaplain of Tuscany, based at the English Church of St. Mark’s Florence with St Peter’s Siena, I was immersed in the fabulous Renaissance art of Florence and the glorious light and beauty of the surrounding Italian countryside. I was later appointed Chaplain of Monte Carlo and was able to experience the same intensity of light and colour on the Côte d’Azur. This has had a profound impact on my own journey in painting.

I have maintained this love of painting and, now retired, am able to focus on the stunning coastline of North Cornwall with its working harbours, fantastic light and 360 degree views equalling that of Tuscany and the South of France. Whilst mainly painting in oils, I have rediscovered my love of painting in watercolours and mixed media.

In my recent work during the pandemic and onwards, I have been drawn to the working harbours and fishing boats of Padstow, the River Camel estuary in Wadebridge and the local Cornish churches.

My painting journey has been influenced by my love of artists such as Raoul Dufy, John Piper, Marc Chagall, Ian Weatherhead, Robert Heindel and Christopher Johnson.

 My paintings are in private collections around the world including the USA, Italy, Scotland, New Zealand and Monaco.

 May 2023