Happily 2019 should bring more time and space to be creative.

My head has always been full of a swirl of the quirky patterns and colours that make up a life lived with joy. Everyday yet imaginary and magical images of sunny days, with hearty types enjoying life’s simple pleasures together; fresh air, splashing about on the water, sharing scrumptious food, love and friendship. Those fleeting moments that cheer the rest of our week.

I have long been inspired by the style, narrative, and colours of Matisse, Vanessa Bell, Ravilious, and the more contemporary talents of Anita Klein, Angie Lewin, and Emily Sutton.

I hope in 2019 to create some new work in oil, ink pen, oil pastel and print that captures this spirit.

Whilst I’ve occasionally sold or gifted art to friends in the past eight or nine years, mostly I’ve just been concentrating on the day job.

I have grabbed all the opportunities I can to keep scribbling, including life drawing classes, and in 2015/16 a City & Guilds Printmaking course.

Here are a few snapshots……….

Set in the courtyard of our family inn The Shed was my shop selling quirky homeware and art.

The Saracens, famously lost in the lanes in Norfolk, was built to resemble the Tuscan Farmhouses of The Grand Tour. My father’s hospitality was legendary, and he cooked scrumptious food there for over 20 years. During the last 10 years of his time there I redecorated the property, and helped to run the business, alongside The Shed.

We sold The Saracens in 2010 to move on to new adventures, but the creativity of that time still fuels my work.

Have a peek at some more snapshots here…….

Continue reading “The Shed 1999-2010” →