Herne is said to have been a huntsman in the employ of King Richard II in and around Windsor Forest. He saved the King's life when he was attacked by a cornered white hart, but was mortally wounded himself in the process.

A local wizard brought him back to health using his magical powers, which entailed tying the dead animal's antlers on Herne's head. In return, however, Herne had to give up his hunting skills.

Finding himself without the living that he loved, Herne went mad and ran into the Forest, antlers still in place. He was found the next day, hanging dead from a lone oak tree. Herne's ghost is said to have haunted Windsor Forest and specifically the Great Park, ever since his death.

There are legends that he was linked with Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest, which many years ago, covered a vast part of England including the northern town of Nottingham, way down through rural Huntingdonshire (from where I was raised) reaching almost to London. As a child, I loved the legend of "The Hooded Man", and finally enjoyed the chance to portray, and now share some of the legends that inspired me so much growing up.

I paint exclusively in oils on extra heavy-weight Crescent illustration board.