Bernard was born in Leeds, Yorkshire in 1937. He was taught drawing and the basics of watercolour in the late 1940's by Yorkshire artist F.C. Jones. Bernard extended his skills and knowledge with other tutors, at night schools and through practice.

His first exhibition was with Yorkshire Artists at Leeds City Gallery in 1965. There followed more exhibitions in Leeds and Newcastle upon Tyne in the 1970's. While in Newcastle upon Tyne, he designed and completed a number of commisions for woven tapestry for clients in the USA and UK. Recently he has exhibited in local and regional exhibitions in Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury and Bournemouth.

Bernard has used most mediums and took advantage of the "new" acrylics when they first became available in the UK in 1963. He now favours painting in watercolours, gouache and ink. His subjects vary from seascapes, landscapes and street scenes to humorous characterisations