Now I’m counting down to my exhibition, ‘Water & Light’ at Heart Gallery in March! Tomorrow will be my first day back in the studio since Christmas. My desk is immaculate. Everything is laid out in anticipation. I have missed my studio time.

This is a really big piece, ready for the exhibition…

And I think this one may be my current favourite (It’s those chickens again):

There’s another large piece in it’s early stages, and that’s what I’m working on in the morning. A splash of colour on a grey January day is very warming!

I’ve been getting back into my painting rhythm these past few weeks, after the summer holidays. Helped along by some magical new noise cancelling headphones which help me concentrate, and drown out the squabbling and shrieking from the children (and occasionally my husband (and the people that keep calling me to offer me a new boiler)). I ONLY wear them on studio days, though i have been tempted during my youngest daughters tantrums. Any way…

I have been creating two new pieces, full of colour. This is a tranquil little spot between the tow path and the river: And then, because i so enjoyed painting the chickens, this is based on the allotments in Howarth:

They have been such fun to work on. I think i need to step away from the chickens for a bit, or they’re going to get everywhere.

These are both for the exhibition ‘Water and Light’ at Heart Gallery. The exhibition previews March 26th 2015

Work has stalled a bit in the studio because of the summer holidays. But late last night, while the children were fast asleep I had a some quality painting time and finished this:

There are many reservoirs around here. Many of them are terribly bleak. But I love this one with it’s Victorian Sluice house and pine trees and will often drive miles out of my way to come home over it.

This is the first, finished painting for ‘Water and Light’ – a solo exhibition of new work at Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge in March of next year…

Alison from Heart, my lovely local Gallery in the centre of Hebden Bridge, and I have had a meeting (over tea and toast at The Lampost Cafe), and decided on a new solo exhibition in March 2015. The title is to be ‘Water and Light’ and I have been out with my note books collecting ideas.

I don’t have a huge amount to show you yet. I tend to work on several pieces all at once because the first layers of ink are so wet and messy that I have to allow days to dry before adding the next. I have 8 canvases started, most of them at their ‘muddy’ stage.

This is the furthest advanced:

It’s a detail of a large painting of Lower Laithe Reservoir, near Haworth. It’s a beautiful place.

I’ve been inspired for this exhibition by the routes where I run, between the canal and the river. I love the juxtaposition of the still water and the fast. I’ve been drawing in Todmorden too. Tod has some stunning buildings.

So, watch this space for work as it develops, inspired by the beautiful Calder Valley where I am lucky enough to live.

This is a project that haunts my dreams at the moment. And I have started a separate Blog for it, to record the project as it unfolds. Please go and have a look, and contribute ideas if you can. In the meantime, here are two paintings I have completed. Both of New Cragg Hall which stood for a very short time in Cragg Vale, near Hebden Bridge, from 1904 to 1921.

The exhibition will be held in Halifax’s Bankfield Museum in October 2015.

It’s nearly upon us! Hebden Bridge Open Studios runs two weekends this year. It starts this Saturday (June 28th and 29th) and then July 4th, 5th and 6th. We’re making the most of Le Tour coming through the town on Sunday 6th.

My new lanterns will be on sale for the first time!

There is lots of work in progress to see…

And, as well as prints and NEW cards there are some bargains to be had….(these are my little printers proofs which i save and hand finish for Open Studios, once a year).

I hope some of you are able to come. I’m venue number 65 in the brochure. It’s right in the middle of town, not far from Coop and Snug Gallery. I’ll be open from 11 til 5 each day.

They’re not ready yet, but while my children were away at half term i had a lovely time developing these: This is the circus one.

The Fairground.

and The Carousel.

The designs need a bit of tweaking. Some of the cuts are too fine and fragile. But I hope to have them ready soon. I would really value any feedback if anyone can spare a moment!

I’m delivering this tomorrow,

along with this…

Two new big paintings off to Wetherby for Art in the Priory. There will be framed prints on display too, along with prints, cards and lanterns in the gift shop. I’ve never been before and I’m quite excited. Everyone tells me that it’s the most beautiful place.

The exhibition is open 10 til 4 at Syningthwaite Priory, Friday 17th – Sunday 19th January 2014.

After Christmas I will be exhibiting with a group of selected artists at Art in the Priory, a three day event in the beautiful Priory barn at Syningthwaite, near Wetherby.

This isn’t finished yet, but I’ve been having a lovely time playing with the reflections…

The event will be held on January 17th, 18th and 19th.