I have always had a soft spot for these insects (along with all the other insects for which I have a soft spot...) and a couple of people have suggested I try painting one, as dragonflies are quite graphic with clearly delineated markings. Having seen photos of broad-bodied chasers proliferating on Instagram, I decided to … Continue reading Dragonflies
Inspiration
I am gently working my way back towards painting. I am a seasonal artist as my spring and summer job is a beekeeper, and I am enjoying the colours brought out by a recent dose of rain and the shapes of the leaves which have now all burst out of their buds and have lost … Continue reading Inspiration
Cushions
I was asked if I could transfer one of my gull designs on to a cushion for someone who was wanting a seaside-themed conservatory, and I was rather concerned as I didn't want a transfer which was stuck on to the fabric, nor a cushion with a rubbish zip and poor quality feel. I went … Continue reading Cushions
Ink, Paper & Print
Last year I attended the Illustration and Print Fair at Eastbourne's Towner Gallery and really enjoyed the experience. This year, due to popularity, the fair ran over the whole weekend rather than just the Sunday, so I was very pleased to be accepted to exhibit. I shared a table with my good friend and art … Continue reading Ink, Paper & Print
American Robin
I stayed in Airbnbs while I was visiting Chicago, and used to walk up past the other houses to reach my bus stop or train station. The houses - bungalows - were set back from the road with a strip of lawn between the pavement and the tarmac, and I would often see American robins … Continue reading American Robin
A Monarch
I was fortunate enough to visit the beautiful city of Chicago a few weeks ago, and flitting among the buildings and feeding on the numerous planters were monarch butterflies. It was my first trip to the States and I was enchanted to see these iconic beauties as I walked the streets. They are robust yet … Continue reading A Monarch
Kittiwakes
I am really enjoying the flying bird/Khadi paper/triptych paintings I have been doing. I visited my daughter in Newcastle recently and there is a large kittiwake colony in the city, and it was fantastic to see the birds being welcomed and protected despite the no-doubt negative impact (pardon pun!) of copious quantities of guano inflicted upon the … Continue reading Kittiwakes
Barn owls
I have yet to do an owl as part of my collection, but since developing the birds-in-flight theme, I decided now was the time to tackle them. I'm rapidly running out of the fabulous paper I've been using for the last 9 months so I need to get some more. In the meantime, I've got … Continue reading Barn owls
Summer offer
I am doing a July offer with my original artwork - hurrah! If you buy a wrapped an mounted original, I will throw in a pack of the ten greetings cards and a sheet of the new stickers. So, that's £50 for the bundle, saving about £20. I can post to anywhere in the whole … Continue reading Summer offer
Kestrel
I was speaking to a friend recently and we were discussing Gerard Manley Hopkins, and I was reminded of the term 'windhover', otherwise known as a kestrel. Such an apt term, and I wanted to paint one. I'm enjoying the flying birds as I don't especially like putting props in the paintings but many birds … Continue reading Kestrel
