It’s about time I did a newsletter …

Hello and welcome to my very first newsletter!

Spring has now arrived and it’s such a joy to see nature coming out of hibernation. The grass is growing, there’s relief that the mower starts after its winter rest and the Shetland ponies have their heads down all day and are not paddling in mud. The ponies are quite elderly now and it’s a relief to see that they’ve come through the winter well and they’re enjoying the sun on their backs once more.

Artistically, I’ve branched out into doing a few wildlife paintings over the winter. I do prefer to work from my own photographs but this isn’t always possible and so I found myself scrolling through photographs on Unsplash, looking for something different to draw and I found a series of mouse photos by Nick Fewing and a fox by Birger StrahI. I especially loved the colours in the tulip and the water droplets, although I’ll admit that I’ve not drawn either before, but the same rules apply of shape and value, whatever the subject, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. I was happily surprised at what a popular subject they’ve been and a number of prints have already been sold and I’ve had so many lovely comments from people; it’s been very uplifting. These prints will be available to buy on this website very soon.

I’m also going out and about to a few shows this year. The first of these is at Hedingham Castle on May 3rd and 4th for their new event, the Wild Keep Weekend, which looks to be great fun and the castle and its grounds are a fabulous place to explore so please do take a look.

Sunday 31st May is the Belchamp St. Paul’s summer fete so I’ll be taking my art stall there for the first time.

On July 11th I’ll be taking my art to a the Tendring Show and this is my first big event so I’m super excited to be able to share what I do with a much larger audience. I’m going to be in the shoppers marquee with my prints, cards and originals for sale.

Also in July is our little, Castle Hedingham St James’ Fair on Saturday 26th in the village park and the church. I’ll have my gazebo stall so I can get my easel and do a bit of demo drawing and chat about everyone’s pets and the commission process.

And I’ve just finished a series of 3 small, wildlife paintings of a rabbit, bee and a barn owl which will be available at the shows, framed, for £30 (see below).

So lots to look forward to and to keep me busy! Hope to see you at some of the events x