Ahead of his latest show at the Fountain Gallery artist John Dobbs tells us why his oil paintings are inspired by lanscapes from Molesey to Africa.

Where do you live?

Harefield in Middlesex Age 49 Tell us about your exhibition, Impressions The exhibition is the result of work from the last six months. I paint oil landscapes mainly by the Thames and was particularly inspired by the paintings by Monet at Argenteuil and Sisley at Molesey.

Some of the paintings are inspired by local scenes, aren't they?

I've been working in Molesey over the last four or five years. It is an interesting place and there is always lots of material to work on. I particularly enjoy working in and around Molesey Lock and have painted the lock through the seasons, including the snow. I think I've become a bit of a regular fixture in the area, I know quite a few of the local people here now to say hello to and they all recognise my dog Sasha who goes everywhere with me.

But travel is also important to you, isn't it?

I've travelled all over the world, but extensively in southern and eastern Africa. When I first became an artist I was mainly interested in wildlife art and spent a lot of time in southern Africa, also working as a safari guide. As I became more interested in painting from life obviously my interests moved from wildlife to landscape painting however I still enjoy travellling to paint wildlife when I can. I have recently returned from a trip to India to study tigers, travelling to Khana and Bandhavgarh National Parks and the Sunderbarns.

How long have you been a Fountain Gallery member for?

Two years

What is the best thing about being a Fountain Gallery member?

The gallery has such a diverse range of artists within the group its good to see different ideas and talk to other artists.

What first got you into art?

My grandmother was a good artist and I always enjoyed art at school. I played a lot of sport when I first left school so didn't really pick up a paintbrush until my early 30s.

Influences

Monet, Sisley, Ken Howard, the American wildlife artist Bob Kuhn Favourite painting by another artist Bathers at La Grenouillere by Claude Monet

How do you like to work?

I always work direct from life all through the year come rain or shine (or snow!).

What do you do away from art?

Marathon kayak and white water kayaking. Last year I completed the 125 mile Devises to Westminster Kayak Marathon in 22 hours I still do a lot of sport training at the gym and circuits although I don't have time for football and cricket anymore.

Impressions, Fountain Gallery, 26 Bridge Road, Hampton Court, East Molesey, May 11-23 (Tuesday to Sunday), 11.30am - 5.30pm, fountaingallery.co.uk