Ian McManus was born in a small village on the outskirts of Cambridge. Throughout his educational years he was to find himself inspired by sculpture and painting, incredibly motivated from one art class to the next.
On leaving school Ian undertook a number of different roles in varying workplaces but all failed to draw on his creative nature. However, he always found himself captivated by his surroundings and stirred by the effects of light playing on the landscape. Finally, after a period of 25 years, he made the decision to start painting. Commencing with acrylic paints, and then progressing to oils, Ian was never particularly happy with his efforts. Recognising that he needed to learn the, “art of painting” , he enrolled in an art course at a local college. A twist of fate introduced him to watercolour painting, for it was the only course available at that time.
Ian discovered the challenges of watercolour to be inspirational and now paints exclusively in this medium. An immediacy of style developed through applying paint directly to the paper with no overlays of washes normally associated with watercolour painting. Ian believes this gives the finished painting a transparency and freedom of expression and is confident that anyone who is passionate enough about painting can learn to paint, “It’s a continual learning experience, but is incredibly rewarding when it all comes together and you finish with a painting you are happy with.”
Ian McManus has received high acclaim for his work and was recently quoted as, "a breath of fresh air for watercolour".  His ability to convey a bustling street scene with dramatical effects of light and shade are further enhanced by his remarkable confidence to incorporate complex figurative studies.
Ian unashamedly confesses to have been greatly influenced by some of the finest Impressionists, but in particular by Edward Seago, Edward Wesson and John Yardley.  Taking subjects from everyday life, Ian