Denis John-Naylor studied natural history illustration at Bournemouth College of Art and wildlife painting, printmaking and life drawing at Swansea Institute. Denis also studied life drawing and painting privately under some well-known contemporary artists. In recent years he has won awards for portrait and plein-air painting. Over the years, he has contributed numerous articles to the Leisure Painter magazine on pencil drawing and acrylic painting. Hobbies include reading biographies and listening to music. Denis lives in Hornchurch, Essex.