Broken Heart

It is Valentine's day and I am aware that a broken heart is not in keeping with the sentiment... but my little cat climbed onto my set up and did her worse... just like life eh?

Bell flowers

It has been a while since I last uploaded a painting, but I have not been idle! It has been a busy time working towards my show at Mandells Gallery in Norwich and the day to day existence of re-building our home after the fire almost a year ago! I share this computer with my husband who spends most of his time project managing the build, hence things have had to slip somewhat.... lots of work to show you if I can nudge him out of the way!

Bramley and Blackberries

Bramleys and Blackberries is one of those marriages made in heaven. For me, they just shout 'crumble' all that we need is the jug to be filled with some hot, thick home-made custard to finish it off.

Pastel sketch of Tom

This is my second week painting Tom and as I wasn't able to choose a position whereby I could do a profile or three-quarters view, I decided to change medium, so this is my pastel version. The one thing Tom does move is his eyes, so to help ring the changes from the last sitting, I tried to catch him looking to the side. Tom does have a very florid complexion so it is always a challenge to keep the effect of the light working within the correct values whilst still showing his high colour.

Oil sketch of Tom

After many months away, it was great to join the old crowd that meet weekly at the Scout hut. This was my efforts at the end of the session.

Rioja Richard

​Richard is a good friend and we enjoyed an evening in his company drinking Rioja. need I say more..... ;-)

Builders Break

I am still busy working on commissions and plans for the re-build of our house (destroyed by fire in February) have resulted in my somewhat sporadic posts here. Our builders are due to start in November, which we really look forward to, although I imagine the noise in my little studio may encourage me to venture out to try my hand at more plein-air work. On the other hand, if this pastel is anything to go by, I may find there is plenty of rich pickings to be found right here! ​This is Viktor, a polish builder, who has been kept busy this summer working at my daughter's property. I liked the way he covered his balding head to protect it from the hot sun, and his overall shape and gesture was just asking to be captured......