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.

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.