Raising a Rose to International Women's Day

Raising a rose to all women today!🌹

Saying thank you to all the amazing ladies in my life, your support, kindness and inspiration are more precious than words can express!

Because of you I have dared to dream and in dreaming see the possibilities beyond today!😊

Painting Info:

• Dreams of Tomorrow and Yesterday

• Oil on canvas

• 100 x 162 cm (40 x 64 inches)

For further details click the button below

Exploring Watercolour

Been diving into digital watercolour this week, working on a new commission, exploring the world of illustration.

I naturally gravitate towards oil paints, with their solid buttery textures and flexibility, I know where I am with them, they are a familiar friend. Watercolours have always been a little outside my comfort zone, being more unpredictable in nature.

I have however two commissions I am working on, which require a more delicate approach, and watercolour is the perfect medium.

Rebelle 4, the painting software I use, is pretty astounding in how it replicates the way watercolours behave and move, spreading, dripping, diffusing across the page.

Not certain where it would lead me, I began this week with an open mind, keeping my approach light and playful - swipe to watch a little time-lapse!

Gradually a rhythm emerged and, dare I say it, a friendship!

Goes to show how much we can learn when we delve into new territory and what treasures we can find!

To find out more about my commission service click the button below.

Dance, Paint and Play

This is a very quick, quiet experiment, listening to some bachata tunes and having a good old fashion play with paint.

I was deliberately going loose and free to see what would emerge.

Been a bit locked into a mindset of trying to polish and refine everything before sharing it, so as a little challenge to myself I'm throwing something very unpolished out there to say, just now, I'm letting my hair down!💃

Freedom in paint, freedom in mind, freedom in dance - vive la liberte! ✊😊

The Pawfect Partnership - Kovu's Finished Portrait

Happy to reveal the finished portrait of my pet portrait prize winner Kovu!

As some of you remember, last October I teamed up with local Pet Au Pair Business @Pawpairs to launch this giveaway and Kovu was announced the winner just before Christmas!

I worked closely with Kovu’s owner Amy to get to the heart of Kovu’s story, exploring his character and passions as well as the special points of reference in Amy and Kovu’s relationship. His portrait was a celebration of these things.

The reference image we decided upon, with his lion-like locks, was the perfect nod to the origins of his name, inspired by the character from Lion king 2. The mini tennis ball and paddle board hanging from his collar also paid tribute to two of his favourite pastimes. The beaded collar, a special gift from Amy’s father in Kenya, and usually hidden by Kovu’s fur, was placed centre stage as an imagined addition to the strap of his body harness. Finally, the date 22.11.20, was added to the disc at his collar to commemorate the day Kovu joined his family.

Kovu’s portrait was presented to him and Amy this week at Pawpairs HQ, much to everyone’s excitement [see video below]. Kovu’s portrait was painted using digital oil paints on a computer [see timelapse below] I then arranged the professional printing and framing.

As perhaps you know, I offer a commission service specialising in story-telling paintings of people, animals and treasured objects and I am now taking on new commissions for April.

Do you have a commission idea? if so I welcome you to get in touch by clicking the button below

Kovu’s Story & Portrait Presentation Ceremony

Timelapse of Kovu’s Portrait

A Valentine Dance

A Flamenco Serenade, digital oil painting (work in progress)

Valentine Day greetings to you all!

Inspired by the theme of couples and love I have embarked upon a new series of paintings, charting different aspects and timelines of love through the magic of vintage toy characters.

Today I share with you the first of these, A Flamenco Serenade!

I encountered this duo at a Barry Potter toy fair and was instantly engaged by their energy.

I studied them in the round and found the pose that, for me, best captured the essence of them - eyes locked, hearts, feet, arms and bodies beating to a unified rhythm - a moment suspended in time!

The power and intensity of the flamenco dance seems to me the perfect analogy for those first passionate steps of courtship.

Not quite finished but nearly there, this fiery couple will eventually be available as a fine art print and card - so watch this space :)

Wishing you all a beautiful rest of day, filled with love!

Framed & Delivered

My oil painting of Fulham Railway Bridge, seen from Putney Bridge at sunrise, went off to a lovely new home yesterday!

Originally unframed, I sorted out a simple white box frame for the occasion with the help of Jacksons Framers

It's made me reflect on the many strolls I have taken around this bridge over the years, always surprised by how dramatically different the times of day and tide can change the scene.

I think of all the walks and conversations I've had, all the states of mind I've been in, through rain and sun. These places are so full of experiences and memory they are almost a living being, an old friend and confident, that are a little part of our hearts and the abstract notion of what 'home' is.

Do you have a favourite place that makes you feel this way?

To view a collection of other available riverscapes of London click the button below

Final Day of Studio Sale - Putney Boats

STUDIO SALE ENDS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT

My last highlight for this sale sequence is my painting of Putney Boats, Evening (oil on canvas board, 8 x 10 inches)

These boats are part of a lovely cluster, moored off the riverside quarter pier, right next to my local Wandsworth park.

Silhouetted against the fading evening light, the view looks out across the river toward the Hurlingham club and harbour.

I have painted these boats from many angles, times of day and tides, but this evening scene played with a very different palette of colour, where less was more and everything was focused around that extraordinary shift between the dwindling natural light of day and the introduction of these fairy-like glimmers of electric light which danced in reflections across the water.

IMPORTANT STUFF

🔈My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - so just a few hours to go!

🔈Click the button below to browse what’s available

🔈Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy peasy possible pressies

🔈Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request)

Do get in touch with any Qs, wishing you a happy rest of Sunday!

The Other Side of Richmond Bridge

STUDIO SALE SPOTLIGHT - 4 DAYS TO GO

Today I am looking at a variation on yesterday's theme on Richmond Bridge. Presenting Richmond Bridge, Blue Tones [oil on canvas, 33.7 x 17.5 cm framed]

Having walked along and under Richmond bridge, this was the view from the south side looking north. So whilst the other side of the bridge was ablaze with sunshine, this side was awash in cool and refreshing shadows.

Again I emphasized the colour contrasts and palette, picking out and the colour harmonies of blues and oranges, reds and greens.

These paintings of Richmond bridge were conceived together and I like to think of them as two sides of a coin, echoing two moods, perhaps two states of mind.

Which one do you prefer?

IMPORTANT STUFF

🔈My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT on SUNDAY 6th FEB - so just under 3 DAYS to go!

🔈Click the button below to see what's available.

🔈Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy peasy possible pressies 😁

🔈Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request)

Any Qs, let me know, for now happy Fridaying! 😊

Studio Sale count down - Richmond Bridge painting Spotlight

Richmond Bridge on a Summer’s Day, oil on canvas, 33.7 x 17.5 cm framed.

STUDIO SALE SPOTLIGHT - 4 DAYS TO GO

In the countdown to the end of my studio sale, I'm sharing the stories behind a few of the paintings featured.

Today is my painting of Richmond Bridge on a Summer's day [oil on canvas, 33.7 x 17.5 cm framed]

I was on the north side of the bridge, looking south and saw the bridge set alight by the warm glow of the midday sun. I went to town on this with colour and emphasised the golden heat of yellows, pinks and oranges in beautiful contrast with the cool refreshing blues of the river and shadows. My aim was a little dose of summer in a painting, hopefully it hits the mark! What do you reckon?

IMPORTANT STUFF

🔈My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT on SUNDAY 6th FEB - so just under 4 days to go!

🔈Click the button below to see what's available.

🔈Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy peasy possible pressies!

🔈Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request)

Shout out if you have any Qs, wishing y'all a cheery rest of Thursday!

A Birthday Wave

A 'few' years ago yesterday I drew my first breath and here I am shortly before puffing out the candles on this yummy little cake which rounded off a lovely lunch provided by my wonderful mother.

One year older, one year more in awe than ever with the wonders and inspiration that surround me.

Incredibly grateful also for the support, humour, and wisdom of the people in my life who teach, challenge, nurture and encourage me - sending you all a massive hug and many a heartfelt thank you!🙏🤗❤

I am very excited about the year ahead and look forward to sharing all the various things I have planned! 🎉

For now wishing everyone a happy rest of Thursday!❤😊

Final Week of Studio Sale

Happy to report my Online STUDIO SALE shop is now fully stocked!

You've seen the toy animal paintings, but now you can also view a collection of riverscapes inspired by Southwest London, aka my stomping ground.

These paintings were done as a series a few years ago and have a slightly different quality to my more recent work.

It was a time when I was really experimenting with crazy colours and playing with mood. They are all summertime pieces, so hopefully bring a bit of sunshine in!

I'm curious to know what you think of them as I may explore more landscapes / riverscapes this year.

As always I welcome your comments & suggestions.

👉IMPORTANT STUFF👈

• My studio sale will end at MIDNIGHT on SUNDAY 6th FEB - so just over a week to go!

• Many of the artworks are framed and ready to hang - so easy-peasy possible pressies.

• Free UK delivery (international delivery available upon request).

• Click the button below to explore the artworks available.

Discussing Art and Mental Health with Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck & Jenetta Barry

It was a pleasure to join Dr Jacalyn Kerbeck & Jenetta Barry for a wonderful conversation this week on their USA Global TV Show ‘The Art in Mental Health Wealth.’

I welcome you to watch the replay above and join us discussing a variety of subjects including:

• Digital painting

• Art and mental health

• The stories behind some of my paintings

• The Epiphany Process, pioneered by Jenetta Barry

• NFTs

As with any dialogue this is very much a bouncing board for ideas and it is always interesting to hear your thoughts. So do let me know what resonated with you and any further questions or topics that you might like me to address in the future.

I have now also created a dedicated page to the recent interviews I have done which I invite you to explore by clicking the button below.

Hello from the Studio

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Waving a hello from the studio and sharing a glimpse of the progress on my latest portrait.

I am happily at sea in this glorious mane of hair which I am slowly refining the details of and it's all getting a little bit magical!

I shall reveal the full portrait and story soon!

Whilst painting I have also been listening to a couple of excellent podcasts I was recently recommended about nasal breathing. I found them hugely eye opening and in some ways life changing, as I have begun to apply aspects of what I am learning.

I want, in turn, to pass on the recommendation to all of you in the hope that they may also be of benefit and help spread the word about just how powerful our breathing can be on a chemical level and how transformative.

The two podcasts in question are:

#99 how breathing through your nose will change your life with Patrick Mckeown

#124 why changing the way you breath will transform your body and mind with James Nestor

They come from the podcast series 'Feel Better, Live More' hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee (GP & Author) which is one to subscribe to in general for the quality insights and conversations you can find there.

My current breathing challenge is jogging with the mouth shut - what's yours?

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend full of good nasal breathing!

A Lively Start to 2022!

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Happy 2022! I thought a dance inspired piece would be a joyful way to greet the new year!

Presenting my painting of the lovely Ben ( @benchaiofficial )& Jovana in the finale pose of an energy bursting dance, choreographed by the fantastic Jeff ( @incognito_dance ) & Valentina ( @valedq )of the Incognito Dance Company.

It is a dance I also participated in and I was curious to see how I could weave in the feeling and magic of it into a painting!

I hope there shall be a great deal more dancing in 2022 and I look forward to sharing some more of these paintings along with some new dancing exploits of my own!

Do you have a memorable dance or performance you would like me to paint? Click the button below for more info.

Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the year!

A Look Back at 2021

Here it is, the last day of 2021 and I’m taking a look back at it all.

It’s been a year that has definitely challenged me in many ways, some expected, some darn right out of the blue, but through it all, my gosh, I have learnt a lot and pledged myself to keep on learning, exploring, experimenting and most importantly creating!

Here's a little review of it all, a sort of bread crumb trail, if you will…

• Began navigating print on demand

• Launched my commission service

• Created my own online marketing funnels

• Upgraded and improved my newsletter system

• Set up a new online shop

• Updated my business cards

• Launched my first business partnership with the amazing Pawpairs

• Participated in two Barry Potter Toy fairs

• Got involved in a variety of creative collaborations

• Painted: 11 dogs, 8 cats, a mix of other animals, some lovely babies, a lot of toys, a few street performers, some wonderful dancers, and even shared a few of my own dancing exploits.

• I've been interviewed by the fabulous Dr Jacalyn on her show.

• Had work featured in a local art campaign

• Seen my artwork find some lovely new homes

• Discovered the incredible Rebelle 4 painting software and been able to take my digital painting to another level.

I also feel incredibly grateful and lucky for all the amazing support from family, friends and followers. You have all inspired me and opened up my perspective so much, reinforcing the power and importance of community, both on and offline and how it can help us grow.

I am very excited about 2022 and all that I hope to explore and share with you! Wishing you all an amazing finale to 2021 and see you on the other side!

A Toy and Its Box - A Still life of a Dinky Aston Martin

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Revealing my finished painting of an Aston Martin DB3S Dinky toy and it's iconic box (model 110, 1956-59). A happy nod to Boxing day!

This painting was the result of another lovely dialogue with a Dinky car enthusiast and is the first time I’ve painted one of these toys with its original box.

I am a big fan of mustard yellow and this painting definitely tickled that fancy. I've also incorporated a vintage Aston Martin sign which, with its wing-like shape, introduces the idea of flight both in its mechanical sense and allegorical.

As with all these model cars, the patina, colours, shapes and textures completely mesmerised me, but I also wanted to play with levels of representation in this composition. A painting of a toy model, based on a real car, sat on a box which illustrates this model, which in turn is reflected in a hazy blur beneath.

I would love to know what you think of this painting as I am looking to launch it as a fine art print and greeting card in the new year. Do let me know your thoughts!

A Santa Salute

This week I was told about an interesting ‘Santa age metric’ It goes like this:

• Young enough to believe in him

• Old enough not to

• Until you reach the age of dressing up and becoming him

Wherever you are on this journey I wish you a very Happy Christmas with my own particular twist on the Santa theme.

This painting was based on a Santa I picked up on eBay. He wasn’t your characteristic round bellied type but rather, something a little more agile and – one might imagine - capable of hopping down and up a chimney!

The name of Santa carries with it many associations, for me the magic and sense of wonder he represents always makes me smile along with my childhood memories of letters drifting up chimneys and mince pies and brandies left out by the fireplace on Christmas eve, disappearing by morning!

Now a little older, the idea of Santa has definitely evolved. Less about the material and more about that deep rooted sense of giving and receiving in its simplest forms, of the love we bear to one another.

It is on that note that I hope your Christmas is a safe, warm and smiling one!

Introducing Jude, The Sphynx Cat

The conclusions of last week’s painted knitting!

Presenting my finished commissioned portrait of the amazing Sphynx cat Jude, dressed in a modified woolly sock and clutching a crocheted Chewbacca.

This was my first encounter with a sphynx cat and painting her was extraordinary . Various references crossed my mind: cat, little wise old lady, ET.

Certainly not conventional, there was something both familiar and other worldly about her, add to which a very expressive, comical sense of character.

I've included a mini time-lapse below of my journey using digital oil brush and paint to build the portrait up from a rough line sketch to the finished painting.

I am now taking commission bookings for 2022, so feel free to get in touch or click the button below to explore my commission service.

Knitting in Paint, The Art of Painting Woollens

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This week I've been knitting in paint!

After an intensive November in 'admin' mode, I happily returned to the painting zone this week working on a wonderful commission which has really got me looking at texture.

Add to which it has been particularly chilly in my attic studio so it is not without some irony that I have been wrapped up in warm woollens and knits whilst grappling with capturing these same textures in paint.

Here's a mini look at just one area I've been working up the detail on.

As with anything complex, it is best to approach it loosely at the start and let the colours and tones build gradually.

After a while you loose sight of the paint and really start to 'feel' the woven yarn, like you've cracked its visual code and can suddenly speak the same language!

My New Christmas Robin

Christmas Robin, digital oil painting

Today I'm talking red robins!

Commonly regarded as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Spiritually they are seen as guides, teaching us to explore change with joy and 'a song in our hearts', moving forwards with grace, patience and strength.

On an everyday level, whenever I see one, I can't help but smile!

What better little bird to see in the end of a year, and look forward to the start of a new one!

Last year I eye-spied a beautiful little hollow cast toy Robin, produced by Britains, pre world war II, as part of their 'Christmas novelties' series.

The particular wear and tear of this robin gave it a wonderful energy and sense of character which I wanted to try and capture in a painting.

Some of you may remember my first attempt from last year, when I was still getting the feel for digital painting.

Like my earlier Penguin post, I felt I could do better, so I had another go last month and am now pleased to present my new Christmas Robin to you all!