I have been participating in Artweeks for over 20 years and love the challenge of new themes each time. They stretch the imagination and give me an opportunity to try out new techniques to suit the theme; watercolour with a palette knife as well as mixed media images produce a new freedom.
For oils I work from the studio in my garden, enjoying the birdsong and scents through the open door whilst reveling in the luscious paints and colours. Having inherited many of my paints and brushes from both my father and father-in-law has felt as though they have handed down their own joy of painting and are maybe peeking over my shoulder pointing out what needs improving!
The winter images were worked from photos as it was FAR too cold to paint out of doors for more than a few minutes on my wonderful Norwegian trip. I could do quick sketches with mits on but never managed to capture the amazing Aurora Borealis on the pad as it moved far too quickly.

Many of the watercolours for the May show earlier in the year were painted in situ - and Port Meadow has provided a great range of options. I work quickly to keep the work fresh whilst out of doors and never tire of the inspiration available as the seasons or moods change. It is such a gift to have scenery down the road that often makes me gasp with delight. Now that I've also discovered the option to paint with watercolours and a palette knife straight from the tube I can do that standing at my studio table, giving images a different twist of texture and emphasis.