After having a painting exhibited in the National Art Gallery of South Africa, while only twelve years of age, Andy gave up art to concentrate on football.

On returning to England in 1967, Andy joined the British Army, where he was posted to the School of Electronic Engineering, Arborfield for training as a telecommunications technician. While in Aldershot Military Hospital after breaking his leg playing football, he met the English tempera artist Caesar, who rekindled his interest in art and mentored him for several months.

Shortly afterwards, Andy obtained a commission to paint a copy of Claude's "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" on the wall of the main entrance to the NAAFI, where it remained for many years. Later, he designed the scenery for the Reading Operatta Society's: "Trial by Jury," at the Arborfield Garrison Theatre.

Nearly thirty years later, Andy is a part-time artist and occasionally accepts commissions for individual portraits, group gortraits, and action portraits.

Andy makes no apology for using optical techniques in his portrait work, such as those described by David Hockney in his book: "Secret Knowledge," since he believes an oil portrait should be superior to photograph, as illustrated in "John's Try."

Other articles by Andy Urquhart can be found at here