Delightful Detail

Sometimes the tiniest detail can be exquisite, it would have been so easy to miss these little shutter brackets,

French Inspiration

Often people ask me where I get the idea of quirky and lopsided houses, well actually if we look around it isn't so hard to see. I just love these little French buildings and see characters in each of them. It makes me smile when I look at the stripy ones and see them as  little characters dressed in their pyjamas.

The streets of Quimper were a joy to explore, the buildings nestle together shoulder to shoulder like old friends.

And this little one was just up my street.

Gorgeous Gourds

Look what I found in the market ! Lots of lovely little gourds some of which look like little swans with their long curved necks and beaks. Amazing colours too !

Autumn Fruits

Let's forget about the terrible weather we have been suffering recently and celebrate some of the fabulous colours of Autumn. Admittedly I had to go to France to photograph the grapes on the vine but our home grown berries can be seen in our own hedgerows at the moment.

People say the nicest things

When people come into the gallery in Masham it is always lovely to have the chance to chat. it is great to welcome returning visitors and meet those new to our little shop. The comments people leave in our visitors book and the nice things people say about my work and the cute little building are so important and motivating. Amongst others one of the comments that stood out this week was from a lovely lady who, as she was leaving turned and said 'You make magic in here, you do'.

Angels in the sky

There have been such beautiful skies above Yorkshire this week and I have been indulging in one of my favourite pass times , cloud watching.  I just wanted to share this Angel with you.

Hilary's Hens

My friend Hilary has been at it again! Down the garden in her little studio she has been playing with her clay whilst watching her comical free range chickens. They have inspired her to create these dear little  characters. I have placed my order already and can't wait to welcome them into my studio.

Take a look at Hilary's website www.hilarytillyardceramics.co.uk

Alternative decoration

When someone comes and knocks a hole in your chimney breast and creates a massive redecoration situation, don't get down, just welcome a new artwork opportunity !

Topiary Heaven

 Pamela and her gardening girlfriends would have been in their element if they had been with me on a visit to Brodsworth Hall last week. The topiary was just up their street, with sketchbook in hand I spent a glorious afternoon with extra inspiration from the croquet match that was taking place. Sunshine and Smiles indeed !

The Tockwith Show

Last Sunday we had a grand day out. Tockwith Show is our local traditional show where I get lots of inspiration for my paintings. From 'The Cake Tent' to 'The Pride and Joy of Mr Mcavoy'. Pet rabbits and fancy foul, Pony Club games and Shire Horses, Terriers and Tractors, Crafts and Baking, a feast for the eyes. We took it in turns to look after the little gazeebo where I was selling bits and bobs so that we could each enjoy a day full of Sunshine and Smiles.

A perfect weekend

Jumping on a plane, catching up with someone special , exploring new and hidden places, meeting lovely new friends Maura and Pat, talking and listening and finding time just to sit and be still. We should do it more often.

One of the little gems I discovered was Bannow Bay a tiny harbour that just has to be featured in one of my paintings very soon.

Colour and freedom

At last the sun is shining and the days are warm. I have kicked off my shoes and been playing amongst the flowers. When the sun is on my back and the colours are singing I feel a sense of freedom. My work has been responding to this freedom too as my brushes dance across the canvas recording in impressionist style the new life in the borders, a celebration of mother nature.