A busy time, but I'm still finding time for painting

September has been hectic, with two more visits to The Kington Gallery, and making arrangements for my youngest daughter to move to University in South Wales. I have managed to complete two watercolours though (I think I'd go mad without painting!)

First I painted these crocuses which were a joyful sight earlier this year, after a very hard winter.

Crocus Chorus
15" x 11", watercolour on Fabriano Artistico 140lb

Then I was inspired to return to macro florals after visiting the studio of Peter Horrocks in Kington, Herefordshire. His work is fascinating, abstracts "painted" with pure earth pigments rubbed onto the support in layers.

I chose a single gladiolus flower which had wonderful lighting, great to paint in this exciting medium!

Glad All Over
11" x 15", watercolour on Fab. Artistico 140lb

I think I'll continue to explore macros for a while, they present some interesting challenges.

Another racing scene and an exhibition

I worked hard to get this watercolour completed in time for my joint exhibition with Janet Thomas at The Kington Gallery, which opened on Saturday and runs until late September. The time constraints seemed to do me good because I think this is one of my best!

I attended the opening day, which wasn't only an exhibition opening, it was also the opening of this unique new gallery, and was thrilled to make a "big" sale within the first hour! "In The Running" has gone to a new home with a lovely lady who I know will enjoy it - it's a wonderful feeling when that perfect match happens, the right painting for the right person.

The gallery itself is very special. For the last year, it has been a labour of love for Janet Thomas who bought a disused restaurant and set about turning it into a welcoming place for both artists and art lovers. It is going to be a massive asset for this small market town in rural Herefordshire!