New Artist of the Year 2014 - Thank you for your support

My smile couldn't be bigger!

My friend Diane accompanied me to the preview. A proud moment for both of us. I used to work with her in my early graphic design days in London so it was very special for her to be there.

Peter won the public vote. A worthy winner. His painting really stood out.

Preview Night at the Mall Galleries 7th January 2014

I was beside myself with excitement to have been selected for this competition organised by the Art and Illustrators Magazine. We artists work very hard year after year trying to improve our skills, and it is so uplifting and encouraging to be awarded this sort of accolade. The news came at the end of a long year of preparing for a solo exhibition. For those of you who have painted for extended periods of time, you will understand those moments of self doubt and moments where the ideas just don't come together. When fresh pairs of eyes look at your work and say "YES - thats the one" then you know you are still on the right page.

I would like to thank all of you who have supported me and who voted for my "hen painting".  I feel very fortunate to do what I love and I am certainly endeavouring to push my boundaries in the future.

Summer At Last

Oil on Canvas

This painting was sheer joy to create. 

We had an extremely long winter last year, followed by a wet spring, so it was whilst getting out during one of the first brighter days that I came across this view. I was utterly inspired and could not wait to start. Most of it was painted using a palette knife, working with shapes to create the looseness and expression that is so rewarding. The colours are bright but there is plenty of balance within all that busyness ... a challenging but fascinating learning curve. I am hoping to add more vibrant pieces to my collection. Friends of ours are now enjoying it in their home.

Dancer

Watercolour on Fabriano Artistico Paper

What a wonderful request to paint a ballet dancer! I received this commission from a couple in Scotland  towards the end of last year. I was never able to achieve such a beautiful "leap" during my ballet days but I certainly tried to capture it in paint. 

Brandon and Maia

Soft Pastels on Sennelier Pastel Card - A3

I loved meeting these two siblings, Brandon and Maia. I laughed so much during my first meeting with them. It was incredibly challenging to get the right pose as Maia just wanted to play. Such characters! I enjoyed this commission immensely.