The manner in which an artist has developed their work, and how they became a professional artist, is an intriguing question most often asked by those who admire their work. No two painters achieve this quite in the same way but in Tony Garner’s case, the arrival at a painting technique that has brought him such success is particularly fascinating. It is story told in this beautifully illustrated book, Enchanted Light.

Including over 120 pastel paintings of superb skill and delicacy, the book portrays the quintessential character of Norfolk and The Broads, in particular the skies, the sunsets and dawn vistas, for which East Anglia is renowned. The book also provides the reader with a fascinating insight into the artist’s early years, his continued passion for teaching others, and the motivation behind his work today.

For those who love the landscapes of the region, this book, as the title suggests, is truly enchanting.

Tony Garner was born in Yorkshire and moved to Norfolk in 1985 although he first began painting whilst on holiday in Scotland and immediately became hooked on watercolours. Pastel, oils and acrylics followed very soon afterwards and painting became an obsession. Tony began to exhibit his work in 1987. His first ‘one man’ exhibition was held in Norfolk in 1989 and was followed by four more such shows.

From 1993 landscape painting became a full time career and Tony has continued to exhibit his work constantly throughout Norfolk and Suffolk and considers himself lucky to have his work in collections around the world.

During 1991 Tony was invited to teach watercolors to a group of students. Finding it a rewarding experience, he began to pursue his fledgling teaching career further. To date he has shared his thoughts and experiences with several hundred newcomers to this wonderful pastime, as well as assisting the more experienced to gain that little extra something from their work.

Tony now combines exhibiting with teaching and demonstrating and considers himself very fortunate to be able to pursue his passion in such a stimulating environment as his adopted county of Norfolk.

On leaving Sheringham College Adrian Hill quickly established a career in business management, firstly with Marks & Spencer, then Jarrold of Norwich and finally with Boots the Chemist. In 2003 Adrian purchased the award-winning Picturecraft Art Gallery and Exhibition Centre in Holt, Norfolk, from his parents. Earlier collaborative publishing projects with Halsgrove include books on the artists HoraceTuck, Felix Bernasconi, Peter Gilman and Brian Ryder.

Imprint: Halstar. ISBN 978 1 906690 26 7, hardback, 238x258mm, 128 pages. Published September 2010.