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.

Good Old Fashioned Fun

It may be raining outside but in my studio the sun is shining. This is my latest seaside picture, it was going to be called 'Shaushages !' - ( remember the yorkshire terrier on That's Life ??) But then I realised that is some time ago and many people wouldn't recall the programme so it is 'Good Old fashioned Fun' and will be in the Gallery as of tomorrow.

My lovely paint brush pot

Look what my lovely friend Hilary has made for me, a special paint brush pot decorated with her jubilee design. Hilary and I shared a flat at college and I am thrilled that she is still enjoying messy clay play in her garden studio. There is something special about objects that you can use and handle every day that have been made by the hands of friends. Thanks Hilary xx

If you would like to see more of Hilary's work take a look at her new website http://www.hilarytillyardceramics.co.uk

New Prints

It's time to add some new prints to the online store so there are 10 more images published as open edition prints including 'Bunty's Beautiful Butterfly Bush'. Do take a look and see whats new.   :o)

Tea by the sea

I woke up this morning to a frosty garden and instead of smiling and nodding at me my plants are hanging their heads and feeling very sorry for themselves. I put on my hat and scarf and gloves and took Martha for a walk, is it really May? Perhaps a peek at one of my latest paintings will make you feel a bit warmer and we can pretend that the sun is warm and shining in a bright blue sky.

playing with the i pad

Having been to see the wonderful David Hockney exhibition at The Royal Academy in January I have been itching to have a play with an i pad and so borrowed one from a friend now I 'm hooked! It is great fun and quite compulsive as you can create crisp bright images in the blink of an eye and no brushes to wash! Anyway, I thought you might be interested to see how I have translated one of my simple designs on screen. Inspired by the cornish coast I have named this one 'i Padstow'.

Friendship

This morning I have been thinking about how many dear friends I have and I am feeling very blessed. Each one of them is special in their own way and together they make my life amazing. There are those who like me have never grown up and with whom I can often find myself helpless with laughter at the daft things in life, those who are my comfort and make me smile at the gentle things, those who offer sage advice and encourage me to grow up temporarily when necessary. Those who share their passion for their art with me, those who walk with me and share my excitement for the tiny buds appearing on the bushes, those who make fun of me and make me laugh at myself, those who force me to go down steeper slopes than I would have chosen on a pair of skis - you swines !!!! Those who sing along with me at apres ski, who zumba with me, who share my love of cake, who inspire me, who dance with me in their pyjamas, those who understand why I like to sit for hours just watching the waves and those who understand when I just want to be quiet and still. Just wanted to say thank you. xxxxx

Miss Masham presentation

Another highlight of the weekend was meeting Katy Lynch who is the winner of the competition in Dales Life Magazine. 3300 people from all around the country entered the competition to win one of my original paintings and Katy was able to travel to the Priory to be presented with her prize. I am very happy to know that Miss Masham has found a lovely new home and I have met a new friend who shares my sense of humour.

A Happy Time at the Priory

This weekend's Priory Arts Exhibition was a great success and an opportunity to meet new friends and catch up with old friends that I haven't seen for ages. The show looked stunning with the work of 8 other fellow artists sitting alongside my latest canvases. Sculptures, textiles, ceramics, prints and paintings in the beautiful setting of Syningthwaite Priory. I am soooo lucky to have my studio here and to be able to come and be inspired by the view across the fields every day, and to have a gallery space just across the gardens is, as my kids would say 'GOLD".

New Work

Just in case you are unable to attend the Priory Arts Exhibition this weekend we wouldn't want you to feel left out, you can see the new work that is hanging there by clicking on this link.

It's all go !

The paint brushes are in the sink, and the framing begins ! As usual I am cutting it fine , but I am thrilled with how things are looking 10 new paintings including two big beauties ready to be introduced at the Priory Arts Exhibition opening on Friday morning at 10 a.m. through until closing on Sunday at 4 p.m. Several of the other artists came yesterday to bring their work and it was like Christmas all over again opening up the bubble wrap to take a peak at their lovely work. The show is going to look FAB! For more information take a look at the events page on my website.

Art in the Priory

The colours are bright and beautiful, paint brushes are flying and the music is turned up loud . I am having a ball! I have 12 new originals waiting to show their faces, several of them will be exhibited at the 'Art in the Priory' exhibition which is to be held in the Priory Barn, a fantastic venue, near Walton, near Wetherby. You can find out more about it at www.priory-arts.com. I shall be releasing images of the new work on the website on the morning of 20th January to coincide with the opening of the exhibition. Do pop back and take a look, or better still come and see me at the exhibition it would be great to meet you. : 0)