Here is an assortment of work created in 2021. Alongside the usual animals, still lives and portraits, a few castles were constructed and there were visits from Sorolla, Magritte and even Pearl. Deepest appreciation to all the generous souls who help with production: patrons, suppliers, photographers, ceramicist, Spanish teacher, event organisers, and above all Steve who can do everything except paint. He is making me a cup of tea as I write this. Happy New Year!

I try to update this site at least once a month. The last post was in August so here is a quick note to say, YES painting continues. In fact there is so much painting going on that web site maintenance has taken a back seat. It would be great to share what it is that keeps me so busy, but now is not the time. Instead here is a photo from an afternoon with Prats Cerámica displaying new Socarrat tile designs during Setmana del Fang d'Orba (Orba Mud Week) last month. Note the more traditional Socarrats installed on the balcony above the stand. Click the photo for more information about the tiles.

The fictional but believable Pearl remains a constant companion in the studio. Some readers will remember how she was popping up in paintings everywhere during our decade in Sheffield. Nowadays she rarely occupies the easel where a more figurative style of painting has priority. When asked to paint her in a bespoke scenario this summer it was hard to refuse. I forgot how fun it was to mix the uninhibited-red hair colour, insert Irene the Cat, float fat pearls around thin necks, and liberally blend potty with poise. Already the owner of Paddling Pearl, the outdoor sports enthusiast wanted a keepsake from vacations in Jávea and this is an iconic view of the Playa de la Grava with Cap de Sant Antoni in the background. Thank you dear Chrissie and Ian. Come back soon!

Xiquet al Far Verd, which is Valenciano for Boy at the Green Lighthouse, won a contest hosted by the Federación de Organizaciones de Xàbia (Jávea) to celebrate 125 years since Sorolla first visited this beautiful coastal town. As Sorolla fans know, the colours and light in Jávea were a source of inspiration for several of his paintings. In 1896, he painted Xiquet de Jávea. My version is based on a photo I took of a lighthouse in the Port when we lived there. More info...

Lucky me! I got to paint a beautiful podenco called Maisie, probably short for 'amazing' because she is a tireless jumper and hill climber. For this reason she appears on a mountaintop in the portrait. In person she is affectionate and just a real pleasure to be around. Huge thank you to Ruth for this fun project.

You don't have to have a backbone to be beautiful. Invertebrates comprise the majority of the animal kingdom, up to 97 percent! Whether they have eight legs or no legs, tentacles, or live in shells and under rocks, painting these creatures is a pleasure.

To draw and paint feathers always seemed a daunting and tedious endeavour but if I don't think about it too much, and just focus on the shapes and tones, it magically comes together. Furthermore, birds have such dramatically different eyes, which are fascinating and fun to paint! Check out the video and see if you agree.

As a fisherman's daughter from Nova Scotia I have a lot of appreciation for the work required to bring the ocean's bounty to our tables. Fishing family, friends and fables have inspired my artwork. Here is a selection of sketches, studies, clay tile designs, and finished paintings.

Some lovely people entered my life through an exhibition in Edinburgh a few years ago, including Rona, who later sent a gorgeous photo of flowers in a jug from her mother. I am very grateful for her inspiring image, which was used as a reference for this painting.