Happy Friday!

The sun is positively beating down

 (in a gentle spring like way)

 and it has really boosted all our moods in the 'studio' today.

The cats are soaking up the rays, 

the dog is snoring and I have started some new sketches - see - everyone is happy :)

So what is on my desk today?

A couple of hares - designs for cards.

A mule ewe.

A sun worshipping cat.

Have a lovely weekend (a bank holiday weekend here in the UK),

hope the sun shines for you too.

Another good day!

Handed these two over last night.

A couple of characters,

both on slate

and in real life.

 Commissioned for a 50th birthday gift, 

I am delighted and humbled that my work is considered worthy enough to be given.

Happy happy!

Now, 

time to 'get to it' and continue with the cat commission

 - via the kettle of course,

 I think it is time for  a tea :)

Ready for his new home

This little fellow is finally finished - his new owners are more than happy (phew!), so all that remains is to add his twisted jute cord and he will be ready for his new home :)

I have also completed another birthday commission of two dogs. I shall reveal all soon!

Until then - a sneak preview of what's on my desk today - a rather handsome cat on reclaimed slate. he is destined to be a table decoration rather than a wall hanging. I shall share progress as I go along.

Speaking of progress, we are still working on our art exhibition and open studios for this autumn, there will be a Facebook page up soon, so keep your eyes peeled and I shall let you know when it is up and running.

As artist makers confirm they are attending, I shall add links and webpages - all good and exciting stuff!

That first step

Progress has been slow but rewarding,

The initial base layer in white always feels exciting,

feels like the first step,

the first note,

the first leap from which there is no turning back...

And feels like flying!

A painting this size can take me 30 - 40 hours,

or more.

 It is important to me that I capture the 'essence' of the animal,

so the owner 'knows' that this painting is of their treasured pets.

This need to get it right can unnerve me somewhat.

However, as the dogs start to to appear, 

start to take form 

it is rather exciting!

Especially when they look right back at me.

Dog days

In between organising an art event*, gardening, 

ferrying sons here there and what feels like everywhere! 

I have started a birthday commission - two dogs on their favourite fleecy blanket.

It makes a lovely change from all the bulls I have been painting recently:)

It helps that the weather is wet - good incentive to put my head down,

pick up a paintbrush and 

'get to it'!

Art Event* - I am super excited that I have been invited to be part of an artist-maker collective and we are actively arranging an artist event and open studio trail - I shall certainly be kept busy for the next few months!

Preliminary sketches

Sitting on my desk,

two dogs sunning themselves as they wait for the next step.

Isn't it delicious, all this wonderful spring sunshine

It makes for proper shadows!