Allan is a self-taught artist born in St. Lunarie-Griquet, on the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland.
He began painting at the age of 9. As the son of an inshore fisherman, he grew up around boats, fishing stages, wharfs, etc. He was inspired by the rugged beauty in the world around him and began to capture it on canvas. Scenes that reflect traditional Newfoundland culture and landscapes remain the primary subject matter for his paintings. His love for life around the salt water is clearly evident in his artwork.

While Allan has experimented with a variety of mediums, he prefers to work in watercolours. Most of his original paintings are in private collections across Canada, United States, Great Britain, Switzerland and Germany.

Allan resides in Lethbridge, NL.