My Blog

latest commission

05/15/2012 07:35:00

Spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks with a different sort of paint brush in my hand. I've been decorating our lounge. I quite enjoy wallpapering but surprisingly, I hate painting!

Any hoo, finally got to finish a quirky house commissions over the weekend. I've lots more to do over the next few weeks.

New work this week

04/29/2012 07:49:00

I've been catching up on commissions this week and have enjoyed painting a couple of dog portraits (makes a change from quirkies!)

Here's Ned, the handsome collie

and this is Flo, his lovely companion.

Both are

painted in pastel

I've taken delivery of lots of 3" cubes and have been wondering what to do with them so I had a little play with this idea. It's painted on all four sides with a row of my quirky houses - not sure what you'd do with it though!

Let me know what you think.

Driftwood

04/23/2012 07:01:00

I love walking along the beach picking up interesting bits and bobs - shells, pebbles, old bits of rope, driftwood etc.

We have a shed at home (full of what you might think of as rubbish) just waiting to be transformed into something special.

Here's an old bit of driftwood which Steve's cleaned up, treated and waxed and transformed into a wall sconce - beautiful!

Another busy week

04/21/2012 07:44:00

It's been another busy week at Wolf House. I've been painting as usual. Here's my latest "quirky".

It shows the Gaskell Hall in the centre of Silverdale village with a few residents and the local shops.

A young girl brought this pebble into the studio for me and it looked so much like a rat with fat cheeks, I had to paint it there and then!

I love this gorgeous mirror Steve has made this week using an old cupboard door. It been sanded and waxed and fitted with a vintage mirror. It's ideal to hang in a conservatory or just about anywhere really.

Whoo Hoo!

04/17/2012 07:46:00

I'm so excited - some of my Artko prints are now on sale through John Lewis!

Check out www.johnlewis.com to see which ones are available!

Look out world - here I come!!

Anniversary

04/09/2012 21:05:00

It's 5 years this week since I opened my studio at Wolf House, I can't believe how quickly the time's gone!

My painting has evolved such a lot in that time. I've gone from very detailed accurate commissioned portraits (which I still do by the way) to large textured seascapes to fun quirky style scenes. I enjoy working in different styles, it keeps my work fresh and allows me to be a lot more creative - I absolutely love it!

This week, I've been really productive and finished a commision which is a very personal painting of one family's history. It shows people, places and events which are special to them and I'm sure it will be something which will be treasured and passed down through the family.

I've also painted these hearts which Steve has carved from reclaimed timber. They look great hanging from a door handle.

Mixed up week!

04/02/2012 08:16:00

It's been a glorious week weather wise. It's hard to believe I spent a day on the beach enjoying a picnic with my favourite boy and needing to apply the sun cream. Just like summer - bliss!

Then it was back to work to finish off some Christmas cards! Talk about a change of season!

I usually start to think about Christmas cards too late in the year and miss the boat- not this year!

The weather is a bit chillier now and more Spring like, just hope it continues over the Easter break.

stags and swans

03/22/2012 09:33:00

Went for a walk through the Dallam Estate yesterday and saw the stags again.

a single swan with the stags just visible in the background.

I know it sounds grisley but we found some gorgeous duck feathers, unfortunately he'd been the victim of a fox during the night.

They are such a lovely shape, especially the curly tail feather.

I like to display my feathers and other found objects in the Studio

Poor duck. Rest in Peace

On a brighter note...

here's some that got away.

Great weekend

03/12/2012 08:24:00

It's been a busy weekend at Wolf House with lots of visitors calling in to the Studio whilst out walking. I've been able to get on with quite a few new jobs though in between chatting to them. Some days I do a lot more talking than painting, but hey ho!

Here's my latest completed commission, it's a hand painted personalised house sign on a lovely piece of driftwood for a couple who are about to retire - hope they like it!

And to complete a great day at work, take a look at this picture of the bay.

I had to stop on my way home and take a picture. The sky reflected on the sands looked so beautiful.

Can't wait to paint this one!

Spring is here!

03/09/2012 19:23:00

Signs of Spring (part 1)

It's lovely to hear the lambs just across the lane from my studio while I work.

Signs of Spring (part 2)

Daffodils and crocus in the garden at Wolf House

A new edition to Wolf House Studio

"This way please"

A new look for Spring

Improvements inside the studio

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