A sketch of a man in a lilac turban sits in a aeroplane wearing his headphones over the top of his headdress.

DAY 5 – In-flight Entertainments

After paying attention to the safety demonstration, everyone settled down with their welcome drinks to peruse the films available on the Virgin Atlantic Heathrow to Delhi flight. Knowing how I like to watch back to back films, Trevor had very kindly bought me a pair of noise cancelling ear buds. I was excited to give them a go - only to find that although they cut out the engine noise really well, I couldn’t get them to connect (wirelessly) to the TV system.
DAY 4 - The Glamour of Glasgow Airport

DAY 4 – The Glamour of Glasgow Airport

They say that ‘it’s not the destination, it’s the journey’. Whoever said it first was definitely not a tall person flying economy class from Glasgow Airport, to London, then to Delhi.
Day 3 of my 100 days of travel sketchbooks – The India Itinerary & the Reluctant Traveller

Day 3 – The India Itinerary & the Reluctant Traveller

January 6th 2025 was a freezing day in Scotland, but it was bright with no wind, so a great day for flying. The short flight to London Heathrow was at a very civilised time so no crazy bleary eyed early starts for us. I enjoyed having pre-flight time at home to make sure we had everything on the list for the trip This is, of course, a very nice position to be in as an artist. I have enough materials to last me a lifetime and I adore dabbling in lots of different drawing techniques. Variety is the spice of life after-all!

Day 2 – Sketchbook Packing Stress

Every trip begins with a great deal of stress for me for one simple reason; I simply have too many good art material options to choose from. This is, of course, a very nice position to be in as an artist. I have enough materials to last me a lifetime and I adore dabbling in lots of different drawing techniques. Variety is the spice of life after-all!
Front cover of my 2025 Indian Travel Sketchbook

Day 1 – 100 Days of Travel Sketchbooks

I could sit and sulk that I didn’t quite get around to doing a project that I quite fancied doing, but for once, I’m going to get off my procrastination pedestal and actually write something, and maybe even sketch too.
A Little Angry -Creativity is a Cruel Mistress

Creativity is a cruel mistress

She beguiles us with promises of enriching our lives by doing what we love: creating. She showers us with glittering ideas of possibility and success. But just when we feel we are winning, and she is firmly by our side, she leaves us. No goodbye letter, no apology, no farewell kiss on our weary heads.
New print at the SSA 126th Annual Exhibition 2024
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New print at the SSA 126th Annual Exhibition 2024

I took a big risk this year and submitted a three fairly large works from a series called 'Broken Dolls', of unique mixed media monotype based works on paper, which I have been making in relative secrecy this year. The one that was chosen, called 'Fragile Column' is particularly close to my heart, as it tells my story of my crumbling spine and my resulting disability.
Blue Woodland
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Abstract Painting Accepted into SSA 125th Annual Exhibition

I am absolutely delighted to be able to tell you all that my abstract painting, "Blue Woodland," was accepted into the prestigious Society of Scottish Artists' 125th Annual Art Exhibition.
New York Sketchbooks
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Sketchbooks, sightseeing & shopping in New York City

Even though this was going to be my third trip to New York City, this one was going to be extra special. It was just with my mum, who has been to New York lots of times, but usually with her sister. My husband joked that it would be fun for her to go with me for a change so we could spent some quality time together, and next thing I know, I have agreed to go along and everything is booked for August 2023!
Samarivan painting of a vw camper van in a forest for The Samaritans charity art auction
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SAMARIVANS – a fundraising painting for the Samaritans

Every artist was sent a parcel containing a canvas panel sprayed with the feint beginnings of a VW camper van image to decorate or create a work as they wished. I was working to a tight deadline so I opted to use acrylics for their quicker drying times. I often paint with acrylics and, because I love the layering qualities of the paint, I often use it for my abstract artworks that you can see here.