Winter Time

A recent visit to my studio literally astounded me. I couldn't believe how beautiful my little den was at what is normally such a bleak time of year. The sun was streaming through the windows and the room was warmed by the sun - delightful! It seemed strange that in the same day I was making my Christmas cards for friends and family, with the warmth of the sun on me I felt like it must have been the wrong time of year! But no, it is definitely almost Christmas time! X

In The Air, Then Onto The Water

Leaving chilly England, we spent a week cruising around Italy, Greece and Turkey to places neither of us had been to before. Beginning our trip in Bari and ending in Venice we saw so many beautiful sights, especially Santorini for its hilltop presence and beautiful setting. Ahhh I love adventures :)

A Source of Inspiration

Saatchi Online is such as useful source of inspiration. I visit this site regularly, looking at other artist's work. It is refreshing to look at other artwork with different themes and ways of working. I love these two images pictured, above for the way they have captured the eyes and below for it's delicacy but also double layer of portrait and landscape. It is beautiful, don't you think? :)

Stumbling into Art

Visiting London, I knew there was an exhibition of Hughie O'Donoghue at Marlborough Fine Art but through wandering around the other galleries that lay in the vicinity I also managed to stumble upon an original painting by Kurt Jackson! Not a bad day!

The Love of Running

There is something I feel whilst out running, it is a feeling of freedom, clarity, relief, solitude, power, creativity. I often wonder why this is and if there are others that feel it too. I remember at uni a tutor commented 'you play netball?' as if it was the most absurd thing he had ever heard. A Fine Art student plays sport? Yeah, is that really such a shock? For me, I find that art & sport are two of the most crucial aspects of my life. 

Watching a programme a while ago, on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood William Holman Hunt was portrayed as a passionate individual that regularly boxed and exercised.  Watching a Tracey Emin documentary more recently showed her love for the outdoors, swimming and exercise as a release and I completely relate to this need. Both examples affirm my belief that art and exercise can and do work side by side.  

July - Summer Holiday

 As the storm brews outside, I get ready for a week down in Cornwall...I cannot wait!!! For a second year, we are spending our holiday down there and I just love it. The place sets me alight and how can it not - look at it!!! The picture above is taken in St Ives Harbour, as the tide crept in we fished for crabs and was lucky enough to be joined by a seal! Bliss :) Whilst down there I revisited Barbara Hepworth's studio/garden, it is such a tranquil space.

Barbara Hepworth's studio/garden...you are
allowed to dream :)