Another commission has recently just popped up out of the blue, just had the initial talks with the client, done a few sketches around the area in question, and have made and primed the canvas ready for action. Although the brief is to capture a house, it's more of a house within the landscape as the main focus. This should be interesting, and always a challenge.

Here we are - post exhibition blues!! It happens to everyone, and it doesn't even reflect the success or failure of a show - it just leaves you feeling exhausted, and with a dozen questions hanging over your head!!! This Isn't my best time of year anyway- personally, so that's not helping. We must move on to bigger and brighter things - chin up Andy.

Light and Revelations, Dundas St Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland

This is my most recent exhibition which was in the heart of 'Gallery land' in Edinburgh. The Gallery which i exhibited in was called Dundas Street Gallery, and it sits along side the Open Eye Gallery, Scottish Gallery and many more. This area seves the City with it's diverse mix of contemporary and traditional art - not disimilar to Cork Street in London. The week prior to my show the gallery was showing work by Barbera Rae, so this was a big 'step up' for me, and so far it has paid off!

Things getting closer now to the show up in Scotland, final preparations being put into place - just added a few highlights to a couple of paintings - i doubt they will be dry - no change there for me! Everthing is on shedule, paintings, framing, transport, hotel, signage,adverts, blah, blah, blah - the list is endless. Don't forget if anyone fancies a trip up to Scotland, it would be great to see you there, and have a drink or two!!

Latest Commission - (Images of Cape Town - Working title)

As I thought with this one, It's proving to be very challenging indeed - nothing wrong with that - It just keeps me awake at night even more than usual! The process and the approach of this is very similar to the way I work normally, however, there is always this feeling of uncertainty as to what the painting will mean or even be accepted by the client on completion. These disperate images being thrown together, are almost likely to not work, so there is the challange - to make this a cohesive painting with all thats required with some harmony and angst at the same time. May it continue!!! 

Everthing is in full swing for my biggest exhibition to date in a major city. I'm showing work at Dundas St Gallery, Edinburgh, and I've decided to keep the title from the last show for this one - Light and Revelations. The theme of this just works for me at the moment - it feels right. Of course, I have added new work to this which I'm sure will be wet when it's hung in Scotland - no change there then!! One painting in particular 'Return to Solitude' seems to be taking hold of me at the moment. It started life with me thinking about Edinburgh, then got completed this week after spending time at a 16th centuary convent in portugal last month. I'm very excited with the outcome. See image below!

Latest Commission - (images of Cape Town - Working title).

Work started today on my latest commission. The brief is pretty complex, in as much as it needs a variety of specific images to be achieved into the final piece, but to be almost 'hidden' within paint.  There is always the initial fear and excitement of starting a commission, it's the unknown outcome combined with the actual thoughts that are in the clients mind which if you are not careful, can force you down a path of mediocrity. By this i mean that you must stick to what you believe in as a painter, treat the work like any other, and make it your own - easier said than done!!!

Helen Bray Photographic Studio, Holmfirth

This was the 2nd year for this exhibition, and thankfully it was as successful as the 1st. A great turn out for the private view - around 250 in total. As with last year, we had the brilliant classical guitar music of  Neil Diffley, and plenty of drinks and food. I had an unexpected guest (he knows who he is) thanks for making the effort. A big thank you to all who came and those who purchased!!   See image below used for the promoting the show.

I must admit to being very excited (like a child) by this article. It's my 1st time in a glossy mag, I think the images look fab, and write up is great. I couldn't ask for more. Thanks Esther.

I recently had a call from the editor of Yorkshire Life magazine wanting to feature my work. I'm very pleased to say that it has happened, and the article will be in the June edition (just in time for the exhibition at Helen Bray). I haven't seen it as yet - so fingers crossed!