ARTISTS BLOG - Greyest day of the year

Yesterday was the day that's known as greyest day of the year. By the afternoon I was feeling very drab & dull and felt reassured that it was unlikely that I would be the only person experiencing this. When we went walking I noticed so many greys in the landscape - that was a real treat as there is fantastic variety in the sky, sea and distant landscape. These colours have appeared in all their subtlety, in my latest paintings, l absorb it all as I walk outside and also when stare out of the studio window. 


The painting shown today has taken many weeks to complete. It has gone through many stages of darkness where it was overpowered by heavy colours. Every time I looked at it I felt irritated, especially as I seemed unable to convey the message I had in my heart. Then I became extremely impatient and so the endless circle of disappointment continued. I had a lot of admin to do last week (not my favourite job) and there wasn't enough time to be calm in the studio. Feeling rushed brings out the worst in me.

The little dog Edie continues to lighten up the time, even when she nips a hole in a cashmere jumper or plods the entire contents of her water bowl all around the kitchen. The cat is generally very patient with her but already knows how to wind her up when she feels like a bit of sport. Edie is here in this painting showing us the joy.