Thanks & goodbye 2023…& hello and welcome 2024

It’s been a really busy year. I say that every year thank heavens. But this one has been even busier

I have been lucky enough to have exhibited in a number of venues and exhibitions

Taken part in a number of art trails

Been a participant in craft fairs and art fairs

Been an artist in residence, delivered workshops, art demonstrations and recently gone back into teaching (only for a short while though)

Getting organised for Christmas is usually bonkers, but this year more so, just because of work and fairs alone

But then there’s the extra dimension…exhibitions

At the beginning of December, I was lucky enough to be able to exhibit at Twenty One in Southend, a great arts venue

They host gigs, competitions and artist’s exhibitions along with good food and drink

The fabulous Elwira Middleton is the greatest host, she helped us put up my work and gave us a gorgeous coffee too

I am really pleased with the exhibition space and I thought my work really worked on the concrete walls. The contrast between the natural organic forms and the man made surface made my paintings really sing

A great way to finish the year off

This annual event is always a highlight in my artistic calendar

This time, the exhibition was a little later

December is a really busy time for all and one where you need to book dates into the calendar. This one is definitely a must

We managed to make it, even though the trains were on strike

It was with real surprise, that I walked into the Old Library in the Lloyd’s of London Building, to see my 3 paintings hanging by the Dias and lectern

Then with even more delight, I noticed I had sold a painting too!

What an evening

Special thanks goes to Susannah Hubert. She is a powerhouse of energy and positivity

And thanks also to all of those who went and visited. Really grateful for the promotion and support from my husband. And for him lugging these big paintings up on the train!

I am always truly surprised when I get commissioned to paint something

Although I am used to painting pet portraits, of which I have created a number this year, it is less usual for me to be commissioned to paint human portraits

This one was a real joy to do, in part because of the photo! Look at those really happy faces

I kept it simple and in the time it was taken…80’s

A posthumous image so I definitely had to get it right

This is such a great thing to be involved with, a charity exhibition for a local charity

The Two Tree Gallery is an exquisite local gallery run by a super talented collective. They have an annual exhibition open to local artists in support of The One Love Project in Southend

This year they have included over a 100 paintings in their exhibition

It’s a real privilege to be included in this with so many other talented local artists. Exhibition runs for the month of January

If you can’t physically attend why not have a look at their website

https://www.twotreegallery.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2buJPgcOBrSpwb8MuhtumZG5xI4ovpdJiEfcKGNrUM4280VVUO2AcYvqU

February Exhibition CHROMA with Sharon Stone

And then there is this!

Joint exhibition with Sharon Stone

“Chroma” will be available to see from February at Leigh Community Centre in their cafe

This collection revolves around our love of colour and processes

We are both mixed media painters working in different subject matters

Watch this space for more information and photos etc

More exciting stuff to come for 2024, but I can’t share yet!