After retiring from the Royal Navy in 1965, he became a lecturer of Hydrography at the North East London Polytechnic. These were busy years and afforded him little time for other pursuits until the 1970's when Alan's desire to paint emerged, a talent that was evident from his school-days. From exhibiting at local galleries and art events, he progressed rapidly to show his work at venues in London such as the Mall Galleries, exhibitions at the renowned Granby Gallery in Derbyshire and to publish his work in limited edition prints and other media. In 1980 Alan decided to retire from lecturing and take up painting full-time.

Alan and his wife Rose (soul-mate and most avid critic) settled in a small Gloucestershire village close to Cheltenham which became the subject of many of Alan's paintings., He published two books of his work 'Under a Watercolour Sky' 'and 'Savour the Moment' as testaments to his love of the British countryside. In his first book he mused:

While I would not have missed my early experiences, I am content now, to put down my roots and occupy my days as a painter. This may sound like a meek acceptance of incipient dotage. Not a bit of it! How many of us know other countries, as holidaymakers, better than we know our own? Beautiful scenery is to be found almost everywhere in the world as our travels bear witness. The best of all to my mind, is on our own doorstep, and I have set about exploring it and recording it for my own satisfaction and, I hope, the pleasure of others – for which I estimate I shall need need or three lifetimes more, at least! The title, 'Under a Watercolour Sky' is not an idle choice. Watercolour is the ideal medium for atmospheric landscapes and it's place in the title is beyond dispute. My fascination with the sky, in daily life as in my work, is acknowledged. In Rupert Brooke's sonnet 'The Soldier' are some of the most moving and evocative phrases that I have ever read about England:

I like to think that my paintings echo these words. However I do not wish to be restricted to England exclusively, for my subjects and Brooke's line, 'Under and English Heaven' has evolved in my mind to give me my title. So there you have it please enjoy!”.

Although Alan's health failed prematurely and accepting his terminal illness with dignified courage he continues to paint as long as he was able to. In May, 2002 Alan Ingham died at the age of 70 in May 2002. Rose Ingham and her daughter Beverley Webb have kindly agreed to dedicate a series of Alan's paintings to www.zaracus.com as a permanent legacy to his work, for appreciation and enjoyment.