Peonies in my favourite vase - set up across the room on purpose - I figure if you can’t see the detail you can’t paint the detail!

I painted all five of these this week, experimenting with different colours and marks each time. I set up the still life across the room next to a sunny window to get some lovely shadows. It’s so nice to finally see some sunshine!

I painted these flowers as I normally would but wasn’t happy with the finish, so I distressed it by rubbing it back then ghosted over some of the edges and the background.

I always think that Hellobores are just as beautiful as orchids, but far less ‘show-offy’!

A great honour to be invited to talk about my work and demonstrate live. As a creative introvert I’m far more comfortable expressing myself in paint than I am in words, so I was really proud of myself for stepping up to the challenge.

A really enjoyable day spent life drawing and painting under Neil Moores tuition at Spencer’s Yard, Leamington. Our model was a circus performer and could hold the most fantastic poses!

Loosening up for spring!

LARRY the English Springer Spaniel looking magnificent and very ‘at home’ in this muddy backdrop!

I loved doing this portrait and leaving much of the tonal ground and its texture untouched. It’s always a treat to be able to paint a landscape around a portrait…a reminder of a time and a place as well as a much loved pet.

I’ve just finished teaching a 2 part online course for @ardingtoncrafts where we’ve been exploring the importance of creating and maintaining strong Notan designs in our paintings.

12” x 12” oil on board

12” x 12” oil on board

8” x 8” oil on board

Limited palette of muted tones - maintaining pre-planned values (Notan). Notan is the study of ‘light/dark harmony’.

A post Christmas warm-up painting from a chilly St Ives. We’ve collected many a shell on this beach - and it’s great for sea glass too!

‘Mother Nature’ never fails to impress me…this flower was perfection.

The second the two beautiful Feline bookends painted as Christmas gifts. A ginger female is a rare thing!

One of two Feline bookends painted as Christmas gifts.

I was really trying to keep Leia’s youthful, fluffy and puppy-like appearance in this portrait. it was fun to get the odd Hydrangea in too!

So Pretty - Lyla the Cockapoo is as cute and innocent looking as a Teddy Bear here! Painted for friend and fellow Artist ‘Ed Nash’.