Preparation and Presentaton

Mill Farm arty week starts tomorrow - so the studio is looking clear and tidy. What ever the other outcomes, I have sorted through piles of collected detritus, thrown away unloved work and gubbins, washed the kitchen thoroughly, cleaned the toilet and sharpened about 100 assorted pencils.
The space is about as ready as I can make it before people actually turn up, so I went to the degree shows at Greys School of Art yesterday.  I saw some fine original works and was lifted by the standard, though experience and the cynic in me knows that barely one percent of these young talented folk will still be doing 'art' in three years time. But still it is a great training and I felt the fashion and textiles were outstanding.

A desire to raise the bar in my own work is always there, teaching and painting. So I am paying attention to the details of the programme for next week, to give the participants the best opportunity I can to enjoy, be creative and learn.

Summer Art Week @ Mill Farm Studio

A chance to dip into a variety of creative activity. I have challenged myself with the creating of the week but the best of it is working with talented professionals like Lyndsey Gibb who has done all the work for the Flyers and information sheets shown here. Come and Join us.

Lake and Peak District 2016

Driving too and fro from Aberdeenshire to Kent is made all the more interesting by stopping off along the way and it removes the emphasis of getting there. Earlier in the year I was accompanied by Mary Cane as I persuaded her to come with me and visit Jenks garden near Dumfries. Open for one day a year only and I had already arranged to  pick up paintings just 20 miles away in Kircudbright. 
A Memorable trip indeed, though raining, that did not dampen our pleasure at seeing the monumental land works and plantings. The 'garden'  included railway carriage, river and stream crossings, stairways and pathways, walkways and spiralled ways up and down.

I have just returned to Kemnay having completed another trip with time spent in a hot tub near Cocketmouth with Jeni and James Watson and on the way back - a reunion near Buxton which apart from the great company, spacious farmhouse accommodation and a visit to Chatsworth house, I managed to swim in the refurbished leisure pool and dabbled a couple of sketches.

I have decided, no more dashing up and down. But more stops along the way to see places and people.

West Dean - Monoprint.

Gathering my materials together to tutor one of my favourite processes - the ever surprising and rewarding Monoprint. It is with a mix of anticipation and apprehension that I approach the four days at lovely West Dean. Skill and luck.

Kent Painters Group - Sevenoaks

The Kent Painters Group 

The Annual Exhibition will be at Sevenoaks School opening on Friday evening of the 30th October and running for the full weekend. A huge variety of works will be hanging and the commission on sales is in aid of four local charities. Lots of hard work by the organising team.

It is a privilege to show again with the group as I have done for twenty years. 

This will be one of my paintings showing. It's called 'Early Summer' and I worked it this year when Mattie had seven lovely puppies.  When I had a moment not feeding her, or them, or clearing up or trying to find them in the garden... I painted.

Open Studio Time - again...

So it is time to clear spaces and hang some images for people to enjoy...

I will be working in the studio for the duration and hope visitors may get an insight into some of the processes involved and join in with some drawing or painting if they wish.

These are some snapshots of images that may be on show.