
Exploring sketchbooks for abstract art
Studio NotesAs my own approach to painting abstract art has changed over the last year, this has left me wondering where sketchbooks fit in with the whole picture...
If sketchbooks help to plan alternatives, test compositions and colours, how does this…

What happens in my artist day
Studio NotesIt seems as soon as I have a rhythm to my day, it changes! When I first started painting again when my children were younger I found the day could so easily get swallowed up with the luxury (? I know! ) of doing domestic tasks in peace and…

Endless combinations: Rauschenberg restrospective
Studio NotesThere is nothing like sneaking things in at the last minute. The Robert Rauschenberg retrospective exhibition at Tate Modern ends on 2 April. If you’re reading this too late, I apologise - go and look up the catalogue which is a hefty almost…

Making it in against the odds!
Studio Notes12,000 people apply to the Royal Academy summer exhibition each year. They limit the applications and the limit is often reached much earlier than the deadline so you have to be on your toes!
Back in January I chose two paintings I had…

Identifying what makes each painting unique
Studio NotesI find working on more than one painting at once helpful for a few things:
• it stops me becoming obsessive and overworking one endlessly (hopefully)
• it helps me to see an overall view of my work and how it's developing
• working…

Stuck in the middle with you!
Studio Notes
Right, I’ve got to the middle stages of a painting, and I’m stuck…
These days my paintings begin with no fixed idea of outcome. I may make early choices about colour or bold shapes to get the surface active, but as the layers build…

How do you learn to take your art to the next level?
Studio NotesWhen I first decided I wanted to commit to making art full time, instead of going back to my graphic design career, one of the first things I investigated was whether I should be applying to do an MA in Fine Art. Because that's what you need…

Using a filter for what see, and what we choose to see
Studio NotesSorry - this isn't a post about using Instagram filters! Just a view on how we choose to see the world, and why that's so important (especially these days)
The beauty of a misty morning seems to appeal to everyone and recently we have had…
Manchester Art Fair 2022
Studio NotesManchester Art Fair delivers a curated mix of acclaimed galleries and independent artists, blurring the boundaries between traditional and contemporary, creating a friendly, unpretentious and uniquely Northern art-buying experience. Last year was my first time showing at this fair and it was a blast, so I’m pleased to be back with all new paintings. I’ll […]