Having been a cat lover all my life and always having lived with cats it may come as some surprise to hear that this is the first time I've attempted to draw one.  I used masking fluid to keep some of the white areas around her ears white and on some of the whiskers but I am not sure how sucessful this was really because, of course when rubbing the masking fluid away the pencil smudges really easily. Cleo was a pleasure to draw and I may exhibit her at Mellis Arts. Most of my paintings and drawings are currently either committed to or already in exhibitions so I need to pull my finger out and get painting!

Mellis Arts is a brand new group of experienced artists who are opening a permanent exhibition of their work at The Railway Tavern in Mellis. The official opening and launch is on Friday 11th May 5.30pm to 8.30pm with free entry, a glass of plonk and nibbles. If you would like to know more please email  [email protected] or  use the 'get in touch' link on this website. If not, just turn up! The work on display is diverse ranging  from paintings, batik work, stained glass and crochet work.; please come and join us, we'ld love to see you there!

As these deer are all looking very rounded and theres a young deer present the title ' Baby Shower'  immediately sprang to mind as an appropriate title. This drawing was completed using 9B and and HB pencil. The decision was  to leave the background deliberately white with only  an indication of grass at the deer's feet as their body  markings were already  quite striking  and I didn't want to detract from that with a  background. I like to think of a group of pregnant does meeting on a hilltop, or in the middle of a field to celebrate their pregnancy and young - maybe over humanising them somewhat but it brings a smile to my face to imagine it!   This drawing can also be viewed under the tab 'Drawings'. Theres so many ideas for the next project but as time is so precious at the moment it is likely to be another pencil drawing as this can be completed in very small bursts in front of the tv or, as I keep promising myself, this type of work is so mobile, in my lunch break at work (but haven't done so yet).  Maybe.....

A quick update, I am busy working on new paintings and pencil drawings at the moment, but as predicted, in  the sping and summer months art work will have to be balanced with gardening. There are a few exhibitions coming up that I am particpating in so work goes on. I am mindful that for me art has to be a pleasure, something I want to do and to enjoy the experience; sometimes when working hard for exhibitions it can begin to feel to rigid, structured and somewhat mechanical hence stifling the creative flow somewhat. I've hada few weeks break, including a trip to Portugal (see links for progress on the house) and am now fully back up to speed and engaging in the whole experience again.

New paintings and drawings will be published on this site very soon!