And here is my youngest collector who liked the piece I was working on in the gallery 'The Farmers Pyjamas'

It was great to me so many people of all ages but who all had one thing in common - a sense of fun.

My Jolly Day at The Art Room

Last weekend I popped across the water to see Catherine and Nigel in The Art Room Gallery in Dungannon. They had arranged a great opportunity for me to meet some of the people who have bought my work in the past and also to meet some new buyers. I had taken my paints so that I could work and explain what I do and why. I met so many lovely people that I can't wait to go back again and explore more of Northern Ireland. The day was a great success and such fun, there were decorations and bunting, and the prettiest party cakes that just cried out to be painted. Watch this space. So it's thank you to Catherine and Nigel for the invitation and hospitality and thank you to everyone who came to chat to me and especially thank you to those of you who went away with a bit of me tucked under their arm.

My visit to Ireland

I have been working long days and nights to get a collection of work ready to send the The Art Room Gallery in Dungannon. Northern Ireland. The final parcel was sent yesterday and I have been taking a bit of time out today. Doing one of my favourite local walks with Martha and enjoying the last of the sunshine for the time being. Rain is on its way and the clouds are gathering. Oh well, the garden needs it.

I am really looking forward to my visit to Ireland on Saturday it promises to be a jolly day with colourful decorations and banners advertising the fact that I shall be demonstrating in the gallery. It will be lovely to finally meet some of my collectors and people who share my enjoyment of the quirkier side of life.

Another painting from the garden

'Sunburst' was painted quickly during a bright interval with the sun boucing off these petals.

More from the garden

I found a quiet spot amongst the last of the bluebells, dark shadows and shafts of light fell on the blue below

Here is the finished article.

Working on Riot in Red, with the sun beating down I just had to take a break in the shade. Jane pointed out that my ladies in hats must have been inspired by my own hat that I wear when it is very bright. I hadn't thought about it before now.

Another day in the garden

It is so nice to meet up with old friends who have made a special journey to see us and talk about our work, people who have bought paintings in the past either from galleries or from the Summer Exhibition here in the garden. It is also lovely to meet new folk who have enjoyed watching us paint, some are painters themselves and others who would like to take up painting as a hobby. It makes a pleasant change from working on my own in my studio, although when ideas are flowing I do quite enjoy my own company too.
Here is Jane talking to some of the visitors.

Working in the gardens

Can it really be that long since I added a new blog? I have been busy as usual working in the studio and also in the gardens at RHS Harlow Carr. The weather was very mixed, just as it was last year, one day sun next day rain and the temperatures went up and down like a yoyo. The begining of the week we saw dust storms as the wind blew eddies of dust from the car park. Taking refuge in the summer house we watched as the winds whipped through the garden. It was so nice to work alongside my friend Jane Redfern with whom I shared a studio on a farm until having my latest timber one built. Jane and I have exhibited together for the past 10 years and her watercolours compliment my acrylic work. I shall show you some of her work soon on my blog. Here is one of my acrylic florals painted in the garden.

My Online Shop!

Hello again, it has been a while since I last left a message. Things have been very hectic, lots of painting and organising printing ready for the launch of my online shop which is now up and running thanks to the hard work of Andy my web designer. He must have nearly been driven to distraction by me changing my mind about this and that but he has been very patient. Please take a look and let me know if you spot any teething problems or hiccups. I'm off down the studio now to do some drawing, I have an idea for a new theme. I will let you in on the idea soon!! Take Care.

Here is Martha lending a paw and generally being helpful and supportive as usual. She seems to like the first of my 'Little Corkers' and kindly agreed to pose so that you can see the scale of the piece. Martha is the only dog I know who eats dandelions and has been plucking them merrily all along the walk today. The problem is that she is attracted to the yellow sunflowers on this little painting thinking they were dandelions too!