Born in Lancashire in 1962, Alison first studied at Burnley College School of Art. She then spent four years studying Life Painting at the Slade School in London.
For some years after leaving the Slade, and following a long tradition in English painting, she worked as a freelance scenic artist in the theatre. During this period she also studied advanced scene painting techniques at the Lester Polakov Studio, New York.

In the early 90's, Alison taught life drawing to art students. This was as a result of her belief in the importance of passing on the traditional drawing skills which are no longer taught in many art schools. Despite her painting commitments, she still teaches advanced students occasionally.

Alison's rigorous attention to detail in technical as well as artistic matters is evident when the paintings are closely examined; they are painted on linen canvases prepared by the painter herself using traditional methods and materials of the highest quality. The majority of her work now involves horses, especially racehorses, but she can undertake commissions on any subject.