Didn’t that wonderful Summer just fly by! In less than two weeks, on the weekend of 1st and 2nd November, it’s the Winter Open Studios. I hope you’ll be able to visit my home studio in Loftus. Details of all the artists taking part can be found on: nyos.org.uk

I’ve been busy painting, and most recently preparing my 2026 calendar, which should be ready within a week or so. Do let me know if you’d like me to reserve a copy for you. My latest painting of Danby Bridge will be on the front cover.

Thank you to all those who visited the Open Studios. Your support means a lot to me, and to all the artists who opened their doors. Since then, the weather has been uncommonly warm in North Yorkshire, and I share my time between my garden and my painting. If you visit our wonderful county, do get in touch if you’d like to visit my studio. I hope you have a wonderful summer, and that you treat your eyes to landscapes and artworks. In the words of AOC, “making joy isn’t denial, it’s how we will survive”.

This time of year seems to be all about preparing for upcoming exhibitions. This year it starts with a group exhibition by Brigantia at The Station in Richmond (North Yorkshire) from 27th February to 26th March, and the North Yorkshire Open Studios Preview exhibition at Craven Arts House in Skipton from 21st March to 10th May. Then it will be time to prepare for the Open Studios 7th/8th & 14th/15th June.

Thank you to all of you who bought one of my artworks during the year. I hope they will bring you joy for decades. Thank you for every card, print or calendar, and especially for those who commissioned paintings. They are often a challenge, but one which I enjoy! 2024 was a tough year for many artists, but sales of cards, prints, calendars, and paintings, have kept the wolf from my door. Or to paraphrase Tom Holt, not so much kept him from my door, but at least allowed me to install a wolf-flap, so the beast can come in and out without causing too much trouble! (T. Holt, 1987, “Expecting Someone Taller”).

I do have a few calendars left, for anyone who hasn’t got one yet. Please contact me and I can post one to you. Thank you.

I hope you are having a good Christmas, with shelter and food, and friends.

North Yorkshire Open Studios is a great weekend for visiting artists throughout the county, whether you want to talk about art or techniques, discover that special painting for your wall, or simply look for gifts produced by artists. I’ll be taking part from Wold Pottery in Loftus, TS13 4HG, with Jill Christie (potter). Also in Loftus, you will find Emma Donoghue, who specialises in porcelain, and within 20 miles you will find other potters, painters, and glass artists. All selected artists and their locations can be found at Nyos.org.uk

The Open Studios start on 1st of June. This year over 170 artists have been selected, so there will be an artist near you, if you’re in North Yorkshire. The full list of artists, details and map can be found at nyos.org.uk

I will be taking part from Wold Pottery in Loftus, TS13 4HG. I will be there for the weekends of 1&2 and 8&9 June, from 10am to 5pm. You can come and chat about art and you will see some of my oil painting on canvas, as well as some new work including pastels and watercolours. And of course you will also see Jill Christie’s pottery workshop.

Feel free to contact me if you’d like a private viewing during the week (please phone 01287 643030).

The Brigantia exhibition at The Bath House, RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate is currently under way and runs until the 9th of June.