Nichol Wheatley graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1993, and began his professional career as an artist by deciding he didn’t want to be one anymore.

Disillusioned by the lack of technique and formal training taught during his degree course, Nichol spent nearly a decade working as a stonemason, bouncer, chef and laborer – using his free time to teach himself all the disciplines that he believed the Art School had missed. In 2000 Nichol formally set up Perfect Circle Art, a company which can produce or source bespoke art pieces in any style or medium, and which serves as a formal technical training ground for young artists aiming to paint ‘in the real world’.

Wheatley has played a significant role in helping ...