If you've not visited and artist studio before you might not know what to expect. Here is what you can expect when you visit my studio.

A nice cup of tea for starters . Once you have that, you can browse through my sketch books, look at the materials I use, and see the process I go through to make my art. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to touch things. I spend such a lot of time alone in my studio, that visitors are welcomed with open arms!!

There will be work for sale, however not everyone who visits will buy art, it's nice if someone wants to take something home but it's just as lovely to see people appreciate the work. There is certainly no pressure from me to buy anything so don't worry about visiting and walking away with just memories!

I will have a range of materials laid out so if you fancy creating something yourself or simply having a play with materials, you can have a go!

Most of all, visiting an artist's studio can be an insight into the world of the artist. Each studio is unique and it's like walking into someone's brain!! Usually a private space, visiting a studio is a special exchange between artist and viewer. I really hope you'll accept the invitation to come and take a step into my world. I look forward to seeing you.

Just a quick note, my studio is up a flight of stairs and I might bring Spike, my dog , into the studio on some days, he's not very friendly with other dogs so if you are thinking of bringing yours please phone first so I can pop him in his crate. ( rescue dogs come with rescue issues!!) tel 07793 649 662

As you are probably aware ,because I've been sharing my good news everywhere, my work has been selected by judges to go through to the second stage of the National Open Art Competition.

This means I have a chance to have my work exhibited in London and seen by many people.
For me sharing my art and getting it seen is the best thing ever! So I'm asking you all to help me get there by voting for me. The judges decide who gets through but the public vote also counts.

So all you have to do is vote for my painting 'The Sick Day' and here is the link !! Fingers crossed and a huge thank you!! Please share with your friends xx http://www.nationalopenart.org/gallery2.php?as=1&The-Sick-Day-18213

Vote for me in The World Vote. See if you can get my painting to London!!! Have your say! Click on the link to vote 😀
​http://www.nationalopenart.org/gallery2.php?as=1&The-Sick-Day-18213

Confidence has prevented me from entering art competitions. That self doubt that speaks to me like a little person in my head, 'you're not ready to enter a competition, it needs to be bigger, smaller,neater, less neat, more colourful , less colourful, better composition,stronger,more professional, more naive....'
Well this time I told self doubt to get stuffed!

I decided that if I was to enter it needed to be something close to my heart, something sincere and a subject that challenged me.

My daughter and dog were unwell on the day I had decided to start work on my entry. Just typical, I thought, I was both annoyed and frustrated that I now I was not going to have time to develop a piece to enter !!

Silly me, my subject was staring me in the face. They both modelled for me in the studio for sketches and photographs and I completed the work over several days.

​I finally entered the NOA competition, filling in the online form and parting with £20, I even considered entering 2 works but decided in the end on just the one.

Well this this morning I got the email to say I had been shortlisted and selected to go through to the second round! I was thrilled and somewhat shocked.

What's the saying? Oh yes, feel the fear and do it anyway. So I did and it has paid off. Even if I don't get any further , that first step to enter has definitely been a step in the right direction for me.

So 'The Sick Day' will now be packaged up and sent by courier to Chichester to be viewed by the judges. NOA have collection points around the country, so it's a drive to Swindon to deliver it to the courier, then I will find out by September if I've got through!

Even getting shortlisted brings benefits, as my work will go online for a public vote tomorrow, and if successful , even without the judges decision , my work could be exhibited in the final show in London.

What do you talk yourself out of? Perhaps you should step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. What do you have to lose?!