Alan was born in East London in the Eastern Cape in 1968. He attended the Belgravia art school during his school years and went on to study Fine Art at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, graduating in 1989. He continued his studies at Rhodes doing Literature and Fine Art as majors for the Higher Diploma in Education. During this year he studied ceramics with his mentor, Lily Pinchuck.

 In 1991 Alan had his first solo exhibition at the Anne Bryant Art gallery in East London, and later that year started his teaching career at the International School of South Africa. During this period he continued developing his painting skills and had two small solo exhibitions in Mafikeng.

 In 1995 Alan moved to Cape Town and spent the next ten years teaching at various private schools. He taught Fine Art and Art History at Herzlia Senior School for six years, where he became the head of a large and flourishing Art and Design department. During this period he developed his photographic and design skills and applied these to his exploration of the South African landscape. He also developed an extensive knowledge of Art History, both local and international.

 Alan left Herzlia in 2002 in order to spend more time on his own work, and concentrated on landscape painting and photography. His work was exhibited at various galleries and exhibitions in the Western Cape.

In 2006, Alan left the teaching profession to paint full time, and moved to Robertson where he presently has his studio and a small farm. He continues to teach to a small group of private students.

 As an artist, Alan has chosen to develop his technical skill primarily through landscape painting. He explores aspects of colour and light through realism, but avoids traditionally composed subject matter. He allows his style to mature slowly and steadily, and generally concentrates on one or two themes over a period of one or two years. Technical mastery is developed in this way

 A number of experimental projects and work in mixed media, especially in collage, complements his landscape painting.

 Alan exhibits work at select galleries in the Western Cape and has a loyal following of patrons in South Africa and Internationally.