happy days. coming close now to finishing my 1st Christmas card...two jack russells in the snow...woodland scene...skulking fox...you got it. Also, working on another superb horse; Towcester 2010 winner Niceonefrankie, with another horse portrait coming; I will be very excited to announce just as soon as it is confirmed. He's also a winner and really making a name for himself in horse racing, I cant wait to start working on him. Life is good.

had a wonderful two days in Powys and the border country. Ever so friendly people and relaxed atmosphere. wonderful dog walks on Offa's Dyke and pub crawls tasting the local brew chatting with the locals. Hello to those in the Old Radnor pub who were so welcoming and loved the dogs, my Aunt and I had such a laugh and tipsy giggled home

Cosmic Sun came 4th today at Chester, what a shame so close he was in the lead most of the way...I bet £5!! at 12-1, would have made a nice packet, ho hum. What a magnificent horse, do look at his portrait and see for yourselves. I quite liked this betting lark and felt a real buzz. might do it again soon at York perhaps. happy horsing everyone

Cosmic Sun has been balloted out of Goodwood this year so is racing the Roodee Handicap at Chester this sunday 1st instead. Great meet and a great horse so I'll say it again GO COSMIC SUN GO!!!

Check out Cosmic Sun racing at Goodwood this week to come!! Having spent 2 lovely months painting this extraordinary horse I am so excited to see him race. Winner of The King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2009 this stunning racehorse certainly is a strong contender and quite frankly he's quite gorgeous to look at. Go Cosmic Sun Go!!

summer lovin

Come on England!.....

how lovely now to work with the studio door open and feel the sweet summer breeze as I paint peacefully with the sound of the dogs demolishing the garden...must keep calm....french lavender filled pots share the courtyard with hostas and herbs and the cotswold gravel glows in the hot sunshine as I work steadily on my current commissions; one of my mother, two jack russels, and for another customer, the 2009 Ascot winner Cosmic Son. All is calm save Chopin wafting past the tinkling fountain...and the clump of dog jaws on the honey bees...must keep calm must keep calm...it isn't so much the pain they'd feel if they caught one but the pain of the vet bill I'd feel if they did.

This summer I am also embarking on my English landscape collection called 'Blue Skies' which with the weather now improving I will be starting soon. I cant wait to get out there and suck it all in. These paintings will be available to see and buy by the autumn.

For those of you travelling in southern Spain remember you can see and buy my spanish landscapes at Finca La Luci near Olvera in the stunning Grazalemas mountains of Andalucia. Please see details at www.allmountainventure.com
Finca La Luci serves as 14 bed luxurious accommodation set within its own olive groves surrounded by the breathtaking Grazalemas. Popular with mountain bikers, walkers and explorers, it has its own guide for those wanting adventure and for those who just want to relax it is a wonderful private retreat and totally child friendly, including gated swimming pool, staircase and gardens. please see www.totstotravel.co.uk for their reviews of this beautiful country home.

I hope this blog finds you well and looking forward to summer, and if you'd like to buy or commission a portrait of your pet, loved one or yourself please go to 'commissions' on my website or call me anytime I'd love to talk to you about creating that special painting you are dreaming of.

happy summer everyone and for those down below happy autumn! xx