Bio and Résumé
Born in Aberdeen (UK), in 1979, I have been drawing from an early age. This, coupled with experimentation with painting, continued through my schooling in Buckinghamshire. It was also in my childhood that I developed an interest in the medieval era. Castles and ruins were my element, and knights and dragons filled my early scribblings. Later my fascination with the Middle Ages, and with other historical subjects translated into serious study.
I went on to secure a Joint Honours Degree in Art and History at the University of Worcester. I developed as a writer and became something of a historian. I wrote (and illustrated) my factual book The Rise and Fall of the Knights Templar, (published by Spellmount in 2003). A painting of mine also featured on the cover.
After a few years working in Risborough Art Gallery, I returned to university as a postgraduate student, and completed an MA in Crusader Studies, split between Royal Holloway and Queen Mary's University of London. Subsequently I wrote a second history book, A to Z of the Knights Templar, published in 2008. Art, however, is my primary occupation. My paintings have shown in a number of galleries and exhibitions, including the 'Baroque Blue' exhibition laid on in 2006 by the Primo Piano LivingGallery in Lecce, Italy. During my time at Risborough Gallery I was continually inspired by the artwork on show and passing through, and also received specific advice from incredible artist David Aldus. I also exhibited some of my own paintings there.
I was employed in early 2009 as an in-house Creative Artworker at Spiral Direct, a company specializing in gothic teeshirts. Since then I have worked freelance as an artist, designer and illustrator. I use oils, primarily, though I am now as happy producing digital art. My stint working as a Creative Artworker opened my eyes to what can be done in photoshop when you have a graphic tablet. The experience also reinforced my determination to carve out a career in the world of art. I had some oil paintings featured in the February 2009 issue (53) of Imagine FX Magazine, which also showcases traditional art as well as digital. Since then I have concentrated increasingly on digital work, producing artwork for facebook games, CD covers, web comics, wedding invitations and fantasy RPG rule books. The facebook game I have been involved with has a pirate theme, and has required illustrations of maps, ships and books. I have a long-standing interest in all things nautical, so this has been a rewarding project to be part of. Meanwhile I have also taken on fine art commissions and sold older paintings, as well as producing imagery for licence on cards.
I was pleased to be brought on board as an illustrator for the Dragon Warriors RPG series published by Magnum Opus Press. Several interior illustrations of mine appeared in In From the Cold, published in late 2010. I am always interested in securing more commissions of this nature.
In my work, besides historical, fantasy and romantic themes, I have an interest in the human figure and much of my painted output incorporates this. I have also painted some gothic scenes, but it is not all darkness- humorous and uplifting subjects also have their place in my output.
I am presently engaged in a home learning course on web design and flash. I have got through the dreamweaver modules, which have helped me to create this site. I have also made a website for artist Carole Humphreys. My next endeavour will be mastering Adobe Flash.
I hope you enjoy this site. I welcome any enquiries about future contracts and commissions. I also appreciate any feedback that visitors may care to leave.
Thanks and best wishes.email giaour94@hotmail.com
Select Résumé
Image By Design Licensing (represented artist, greetings cards)
Spiral Direct (Creative Artworker)
Nemesis Now (freelance product design)
The History Press/Spellmout Publishing (author and illustrator)
Lewis Masonic Publishing (illustrator)
Lutopia Games Company, (character designs for a Facebook-based game)
Hellbound Media. (Comic book cover designs)
Various web comic sites (commissioned illustrator, freelance)
Disruptor Beam LLC (freelance concept art, map design and illustration for Facebook-based game.)
Magnum Opus Press (fantasy RPG related illustration work)
Battlefield Press (book cover commission for reprint of 'Midway Between' by W. Norwood)
Wildfire Games (Illustrator in the 'O A.D.' game project).
Exhibiting Artist (includes at):
Primo Piano LivingGallery, Lecce, Italy
Risborough Art Gallery, Duke St Princes Risborough, Bucks, UK HP27 0AT
The Drawing Room Gallery, Francis Yard, East St, Chesham, Bucks, UK. HP5 1DG
Rebecca Hill Modern Art Gallery, Market Square, Princes Risborough HP27 0AN
