I'm pleased to announce my first exhibition entitled 'Living Landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales' which is taking place at the Folly in Settle, Saturday 20th September 2025 - Saturday 3rd January 2026. I have been working on some new landscapes in preparation for the exhibition including 'Warrendale Knotts from Langber Lane'. Details of the exhibition can be found on the Folly website (link above).

The annual Gargrave Art Exhibition is taking place in July, and I have taken the opportunity to enter some of my other work of portraits and people with a charcoal portrait and three oil paintings including 'Alone in a Crowd'. The exhibition starts on Thursday 10th July until Sunday 13th July, 10am - 7pm, with Sunday 4.30pm close.

The exhibition is being held in the Gargrave Village Hall, West Street, Gargrave. BD23 3PT

I attended a two day course at Craven Hall led by Luke Thompson. The course was titled 'Studying the Masters - Portrait Painting Workshop in Oils'. Never having been taught oils before, I was interested in not only studying the masters, but being introduced to a zorn pallet, which is a limited pallet made up of Venetian Red, Ivory Black, Yellow Ochre Pale, Cadmium Red and Titanium White.

I'm currently finishing oil paintings of the Dales, but keen to start portraits in oils building on the learning from the course led by Luke at Craven Hall.

I have also joined another course led by Luke at Craven Hall in November, 'Studying the Masters - Landscapes in Oils'.

Portrait and life drawing has been significant to my artistic journey, sharpening my observation skills and enriching every aspect of my practice. I still make time to attend untutored sessions whenever possible, both at Craven Arts and Craven Hall, with sessions led by Luke Thompson.

I also take part in untutored portrait and life drawing sessions at Keighley Creative, led by Martin Cosgrove. I really value the diversity of approaches and perspectives - it's a constant learning opportunity. A recent session with a ballerina posing in quick two and five minute stints was particularly challenging and rewarding, pushing me to adapt quickly and stay present in the moment.

I still like to join Leeds Drawing Club when I can which is where my life drawing started. It's a great space, and likewise offering a different opportunity to meet and learn from other artists along my art journey.

Being part of Craven Arts gives me the chance to connect with a community of fellow artists. I especially enjoy the knowledge-sharing sessions, where we inspire and learn from each other. One recent session was led by Christine Newson, who introduced us to the fascinating world of Chinese / Japanese art and encouraged us to explore its techniques first-hand with copying Chinese numbers.