Ian Docwra

I lived in nearby New Malden for over 20 years, during which time my father's interest in railways 'infected' me, particularly the Southern. I studied art to O level at school, but, although very enjoyable, the subject did not seem to beckon me to further formal study at that time (the late 1970s). Only some years after leaving school did I start painting, initially using water colours. I found that I was using the medium almost undiluted, so decided to switch to oils after a short time, and have used them ever since. I amassed a collection of paintings and gradually built up a series of commissions from friends and work colleagues, mainly of transport, landscape and architectural subjects. This encouraged me to approach a small gallery regarding an exhibition, to which they agreed. The majority of works were sold, and I held a second exhibition at the same gallery a couple of years later. I joined London Transport for a managerial career in 1979.