NEW Forest painter and ‘Woodlander’ Colin Courtice died of cancer at Lymington Hospital on November 12, aged 79.

Originally from North London, Mr Courtice settled in the New Forest in 1995 after more than 30 years running advertising and graphical design agencies in Southampton.

Trained as a commercial illustrator at Willesden and Hornsey Art Colleges in London, he first worked for a Fleet Street studio before moving south.

In the early 60s he married Janet, and the pair moved to Southampton where they established and ran MPC Advertising Ltd for many years, and later Southern Graphics Ltd.

After many years of painting as a hobby, Mr Courtice was delighted to have the opportunity to work full time with his beloved pastels when he and his family moved to Brockenhurst in 1995.

His favourite subjects included nature, landscapes and wildlife, of the New Forest in particular, and his membership of the Marwell International Wildlife Society allowed him many opportunities to study and paint more exotic animals.

Also a member of the Solent Aviation Art Society, he painted many aircraft in flight. During his national service he had served as an RAF ground photographer.

Mr Courtice also passed on many of his self-taught skills to other artists via pastel courses and workshops, introducing many to the medium.

He was a member of Ringwood Art Society and had been chairman and president at different times, and was prominent among the Woodlanders, a Forest-based art co-operative , taking part in their regular exhibitions while also preparing an annual solo display of his work.

He was also an honorary member of Romsey Art Society where he served as secretary and treasurer.

His works were displayed at his gallery and studio at the Old Baptist Chapel in Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, and otherwise sold to collectors internationally.

Mr Courtice was well-known in the Forest area for his dedication to pastel painting, his tutoring and his sense of humour and generosity with his time.