Ashton was particularly interested in the qualities of light in his work, which he expressed in a variety of ways, from cast shadows to reflections. The activity of mark making and layering of colours or tones is often the primary dynamic of his work.

He recently became interested in a formal concern for balance, colour and shape in abstraction.

I use a variety of materials from charcoal, pencil and pastel to oil pastel, water colour and oil paint.

Drawing in its many forms informs all my work.

He trained at Falmouth School of Art and Brighton College of Art, is a Royal Academy Schools Post Graduate, former Head of Putney School of Art and former Principal of Blackheath School of Art. He is an Associate of the South West Academy.

Ashton has exhibited throughout the UK, including:

• The Royal Academy ‘Pictures for Schools’ and ‘The Young Contemporaries’
• Burlington Fine Art, London
• New English Art Club, Mall Galleries, London
• Chapel Gallery, Saltram House, Plymouth
• White Space Gallery and  Bowie Gallery, Totnes

Ashton has paintings in private collections in the UK, USA, and France. He lives and works in his studio in South Devon.