An amazing pinky blue sky as the light faded on the 13th December 2021             Well here we are - cantering towards THAT time of year. How are you all getting on? Do love Christmas, or do you dread it? I have had a busy few weeks with the exhibition and then a craft fair over 2 weekends at a local restaurant. I feel as though I have come into land now, and can take stock and start to look at next year.  You might have heard that Ireland suffered a pretty big storm last weekend. Luckily, only my big storage shed suffered, losing part of the roof. I am getting used to the regular storms that we enjoy on the west coast, but storm Bara was much more powerful than normal. I suspect the storms will be getting more powerful as the years go on. But onto happier and more colourful things. December can be strange weather wise here on the west coast of Ireland. We had temperatures of 13 degrees a couple of days ago. quite balmy. But today is pretty chilly. The skies can be quite amazing in th

 Nicki Heenan painting in my field overlooking Fodra and Ross bays.  It has taken a while to settle into my new home and area. I have been very happy so far, but have been struggling to find a purpose for my being here. Whilst it is wonderful to live in an area of such outstanding beauty with incredible views, I have had a growing feeling that I need to share it.  Having an Open Studio every few weeks and doing AirBnb helps . .  but!    My house and studio.  I met Nicki Heenan last year when she was doing a residency in the Burren. We had been friends on Facebook for a while, but it was so good to actually meet her. Nicki does a residency in Ballinglen, Mayo in Ireland every year as well as exhibiting regularly in Ireland, so I asked if she would like to stay with me for a few days on her way up the coast and throw some ideas around. We both managed to find dates that matched and she arrived this week.  Nicki mixing her paints.  I have always loved Nicki's

One of Ness's printed papers flooded with a procion colour wash. I always enjoy teaching, particularly at home in Ireland, but last weekend was really special. I had 3 ex students from the UK travel to the May Look. Draw. Stitch. weekend. I had taught Ness and Kate in Worthing about 15 years ago and Sheila in Hove even longer ago. It was a complete coincidence that they booked the same weekend as they didn't know each other. it was a real treat. I have occasionally bumped into them over the years, but the chance to spend more time with them and catch up on all their news was fantastic. As well as working with them . . . This was the 3rd Look. Draw. Stitch. weekend. There are still spaces in June and August. If you would like to learn more - then have a look here. look_draw_stitch The weather was good so the girls could draw out side, when I say draw, I mean make lines and shapes with a pencil. You don't need to be able to draw, 'properly'!!!

 Beautifully proportioned lines.  I have had a couple of days to rest between workshops this week. I have just about shaken off the very lovely - not - infection in my lung. It affected my voice box so I had no voice for 7 days. This has never happened to me before - no voice. It was a very peculiar feeling not to be able to communicate with my voice. I am well on the road back to being fighting fit again, but it does remind me I do need to look after myself a bit more carefully. Note to self - eat more greens!!! I am on Jersey to deliver 3 workshops at The Harbour Gallery over the coming weekend. It is great to be back here. It's been 3 years since I was here last. I love coming over here and it good to have some time with Pat Robson, the Force Majuer behind The Harbour Gallery . Pat is great fun and there is always something good happening at the gallery.  Like most of you who read this blog, I love wandering around harbours and piers. There are always wonderful distress