An Interview with Paul...

So, what do we know about the man behind the masterpieces?

Well, Paul hails from Leicestershire, England but currently resides with his wife Linda in Southern Ireland. We thought it would be interesting to find out about his favourite things and in a nut shell here’s what he had to say:

Who are your favourite artists?

Salvador Dali, MC Escher, Chuck Close, Norman Rockwell, Banksy, Douglas Hoffman, Mitch Griffiths – there are others……I appreciate quality art and interesting ideas, also those with a sense of irony.

Which are your favourite colours?

All colours but if I have to say an absolute favourite it would be aubergine.

Which are your favourite animals?

I would say ducks, cows, geese and frogs.

Whose classical music do you enjoy?

Liszt, Freddie Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich.

Jazz and blues?

Art Tatum, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller.

Folk and alternative music?

Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos and Janis Ian.

And rock music?

Pink Floyd, and loads of others. I do like all forms of music really.

Which is your favourite musical instrument?

Piano (no surprises there!)

How about your favourite films?

I would say The Godfather, Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump.

And film stars?

Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Susan Sarandon and Helen Mirren.

What about your favourite books?

Reference books mainly. I’m not much of a reader as I don’t have a lot of spare time but I do like facts, words, maps and foreign languages.

What about your favourite vehicle or mode of transport?

Ford Transit Van – I'm very practical. My fantasy vehicle would be a sporty Bentley. But my favourite mode of transport has to be the Queen Mary 2, I prefer to sail rather than fly.

What do you like for breakfast?

A grapefruit followed by smoked mackerel or blueberry bagels with fresh blueberries on top with a mug of fresh coffee.

And for your main meal?

Spanish Tapas. And for dessert Triple Chocolate Meltdown, red fruit crumble or chocolate brownies.

And your favourite tipple?

White wine has to be Chablis and red Rioja and Amerone. Beer would be ‘Dog Fish Head IPA’ and ‘Owd Roger’.

Do you have a sweet tooth?

I am fond of Kit Kats and Chocolate Orange, especially the ones with the crunchy bits. And Jacobs' Fig Rolls.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Tenerife. Perfect for sun, sea, fresh air, a walk up the mountain with plenty of Spanish food and wine.

And cities?

London, New York, San Francisco and Christchurch.

What's your favourite item of clothing?

Cut off jeans, when it’s hot enough!

Any favourite sports?

I like swimming. And I like to watch tennis.

Which are your favourite items of technology?

My digital camera, digital piano and iPod.