Spring Forward - and my year ahead!

Just a quick update from me to share what I’ve been up to lately. Spring has arrived… although you wouldn’t quite know it here in the UK! It’s still holding onto that familiar chill. I’ve just returned from a wonderfully warm and relaxing week in Spain, so coming back to the grey skies has been a bit of a shock. Let’s hope we see a little more sunshine before summer makes its appearance.

There is some lovely news on the art front. I’m delighted to have been selected out of over 470 applicants to exhibit at Art in the Pen 2026 for a 2nd year this August. It’s their 20th anniversary year, with 205 artists showing, so it feels extra special to be part of it again. I’m really looking forward to the event.

Closer to home, my small mini paintings have started to sell at Art & Soul in Leeds city centre, which is always such a great feeling. I also will have a piece currently showing in the Open Call Exhibition at Open Gallery in Halifax, running from 13 May to 6 June 2026- so if you’re nearby, please drop in.

It certainly feels like things are gathering momentum, and I’m very aware of how quickly time passes. There’s plenty of painting to be done before the summer exhibitions arrive. Alongside this, I’m also in the early stages of organising a pop-up show in the Peak District for next year… but I’ll share more on that soon.

For now, it’s back to the studio.