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Category: PAINTERS
Self taught artist Tony Fernandes began drawing and painting at an early age, the works of the C20th's greatest cartoonists Picasso, Gillray, Rowlandson, Giles, Cruikshank, Andre Francois and Goya captured and fuelled his imagination.
His first published work appeared on television at the age of 10 when he sent in jokes and cartoons to the Saturday morning childrens shows and his work has been generally used in advertising and even by the Medical Research Council.
Honing his talent through the 70's and 80's he first came to International notice when the British Government presented his works as part of their official gift to the Australian Government during the Bicentennial Celebrations in 1988.
Having lived in or near the Peak District countryside he has at various times kept a variety of animals including Peacocks, Golden Pheasants, Newts, Frogs, Crows, Geese, Chickens, Ducks, Goats (such a great sense of humour), Sea Horses, Bumblebee and Elephant fish, Rats, Odd Orphan Barn Cats, Dogs (including Big Jimmy Bean the Dingo) and a Parrot called Kipper.
Set Artist and designer for the movie ' Treasure Island ' with Jack Palance and Patrick Bergen, those sharp eyed will see cameo appearances by Fernandes as Pirate and Merchant Adventurer and more recently as Art Director on ' Sea Warriors- The Royal Navy in the Age of Sail '.
Tony has established himself as a unique cartoonist influenced by the great satirical draughtsmen of the C18th and C19th - his cartoons are filled with such joy, great humour, insight and wit but there is always a sense of compassion about the characters in their silliness and in the ridiculous absurdity of everyday life.
With works appearing on cinema, television, magazines, books and DVD, the artist divides his time between studio painting and traveling to far and distant ports researching, sketching and photographing.
His highly original approach to this subject matter has made his work much sought after in the Licensing world- with work held in private and public collections.