Born in 1967 in Plymouth, this area is surrounded by some of the most scenic countryside in the UK. Growing up in the area and, with encouragement from his parents, David began painting the wildlife he saw around him. During this time a menagerie of birds began to grow at home, with wild casualties and waifs and strays coming in from all directions.This early exposure and handling of wildlife helped David understand the anatomy and life cycles of countless species of flora and fauna. On leaving school and wanting to pursue a life in art, the only career option of this sort was to become a traditional sign writer. Throughout the centuries many prominent British painters started their apprenticeship as sign writers as a way of learning their craft. After nine years of working in this traditional manner David moved to painting full time as a professional artist.

Another aspect of his life at this time was his love of falconry and daily flying his own hawks which led to him exhibiting at all the major falconry shows and building a worldwide reputation as one of the leading artists in this genre. Attending international field meets in Africa and America has taken him to some of the most beautiful wilderness areas still left in pursuit of his love of hunting with falcons. This has led to many commissions from fellow falconers who know every last feather on their charges, who being a falconer, David knows only too well.