Family myths, they can quite often turn out to have some truths in them. Probably 15 or more years ago the MIL showed me a photo and oh the stories that were in that single photo. What she knew though? very little, a family wedding ... and probably Yorkshire. Nothing else to go on. No names, photographer and only the door to an impressive looking house! 14 years ago I posted the wedding photo on a facebook page, before then, it actually got published in a magazine... no lead

Whether its a sketch book practice you are beginning on your own, or you are joining a sketching group such as urban sketchers, having the right equipment is probably already in your home! If you've been thinking about starting a sketchbook, the good news is you don't need a studio full of expensive supplies. In fact, these are the three things I reach for time and time again; a sketchbook , something to draw with and some paints. Lets start with the sketchbook Open amazon a

How do you feel about someone asking you a question … or offering you a suggestion? I love open and transparent discussion … If someone asks me "why do you do it that way?" and offers a suggestion or a different idea to me , I love it. As young children we have this wonderful curiosity… somewhere along the way some people lose it … This curiosity from others leads to learning, mine or someone else's. Someone asking me a question shows they are caring enough to understand me b

Summer Collection 2026 Wild ✦ Wonder ✦ Bloom. Every painting begins with a story. Sometimes it starts with an animal that catches my attention. Sometimes with a piece of music, a flower, a sketch or simply a feeling. This Collection brings together a group of paintings created over recent months, each with its own sentiment and story. From watchful owls and curious hares to dancing figures and animals that fill you with awe. These works invite you to pause, look a little lon

January starts the year with being at least 100 days longer than it actually is, February disappears in a blink of an eye. March you don't know whether to wear a coat or a t-shirt and then we are in April. So, heres a "third of the year update" on whats been going on, whats coming up, how you can help, and why connection is so important this year. The world is a very volatile place at the moment and art is a respite from the noise, hatred and politics that seem to be bringing

Slow art is a creative practice that allows the body and mind to settle. It’s art made without urgency, with no comparison, and no pressure to meet set criteria. It is where the act of drawing, painting, or looking becomes as important as the final piece. In a year when many are looking for more analogue activities and putting the tech to one side. Could slow art be your answer? Stress, anxiety, overwhelm .... modern day living. They all seem to be escalating the impact on

When I was at university you were expected to use a sketchbook daily but no one ever explained about how to use it! Over the years occasional attempts have sat gathering dust, but over the past few years that has changed. One thing in particular has had more benefits than I anticipated, and that is being a part of urban sketchers. Sketching with others is beneficial but gaining confidence to sketch in general also has massive health benefits. I will often be found in a cafe

Nocturne: Badger and the Moon With busy weeks and full minds, music can often be just background noise — something playing while we do something else. But when we pause and take time to really listen, music becomes something different altogether. It can steady our breathing calm our overactive minds, and help us to feel more relaxed. This is an invitation to do just that: to slow down, to listen with intention, and to allow carefully chosen music to support our wellbeing in a

Most people have heard of park run… it costs nothing, you turn up and run 5km, you are part of a community and at the end you get to see where you came alongside everyone else. Then for some, you go for coffee and a chat! There is support no matter what level of experience you have. Urban sketching is so similar… it costs nothing, you turn up and sketch for an hour, we see how we all did in a wonderful supportive community and at the end we gather (usually in a coffee shop) a

If you are not a fan of being in a busy shopping centre in the run up to Christmas and want to support small businesses rather than the big giant that is Amazon. Our pop-up showcase in Stony Stratford is the perfect place to kick start your Christmas preparations and you can feel smug in knowing you have supported independent artists and artisans which gifting something unique and special. You can find us on the 8th November (10am-4pm) at the Bull Hotel in Stony Stratford (MK

Personalised bridesmaid gifts with a story that was 90 years in the making

A Whirlwind of Inspiration I thought after Bucks Art Weeks it would be quiet. In some ways, it was. However, my art had other ideas! I...

Do you holdback from using a sketchbook? Do you know why? Here are some of the main reasons (and ways to move past them) that sketchbooks can be intimidating

25 in 25 Art Challenge Art challenges have become increasingly popular and at the start of the year there are a plethora of them to...

When I am working with old music I always look to find out more about the composers. Some are well known familiar names; others have slipped away out of not only popularity but out of history. There are those who clearly had successful careers in music and yet they fall into the category of forgotten names. Recently I started work on a painting where I used a surface I had prepared last year. The music was titled Youth and composed by Frances Allitsen. I had chosen to paint

What family traditions at Christmas do you have? Christmas is a time for memories, reflection and also looking forward. But It’s also a...

Winter can magical, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming. Getting prepared for Christmas; with big shopping lists, get...

Will you rediscover the power of Christmas cards this year, connecting with people beyond social media and email and do something far...

Christmas …. It’s a bit of a marmite word! Lots to love about it and lots that is hard… As the holiday season comes around we can become...

Capturing every quirk and whisker in a unique painting. Commissioning a painting is much easier than you may think, but if it’s...