Artweeks Day 6

'The beauty of small things' 12"x12" oil on canvas board

Featured in today's themed video on 'The Beauty of Small Things' is this painting I did with Peter Keegan artist in a zoom lesson during lockdown. Peter currently has a solo exhibition @fitchandfellows art gallery in Thame, if you're in the area. I'm hoping I'll have time this weekend to pop along in between preparation for my own show opening on the 15th.

Today's video is here: https://youtu.be/jhQDcqvbMOY

This painting was challenging because of all the shiny surfaces, and the curved bowl! But I love cherries, so it was worth persevering with it. I've just planted a patio cherry tree in my garden and hope I can get to the cherries before the birds, when it starts to fruit. If it stays small enough I can put a net over it - that's the plan anyway!

This painting is one of four and they'll all be released, together with my bird series, to my VIP collectors first on Friday May 14th. Sign up using the link above if you don't want to miss out!

Artweeks Day 5

Today’s theme is 'The Animal Kingdom’, which allows me to introduce the first painting in my new bird series! Meet Mr Robin.

‘Red, red Robin’, A4 oil on canvas board

You can view the art trail for today here: https://youtu.be/ClKeNPI0yJs

I’ve always enjoyed watching the birds, as a young child I remember seeing Starling murmurations above our house and being absolutely mesmerised by them. We had a large Oak tree nearby where they would roost. I miss seeing them where I live now.

During Lockdown birds have been a distraction from the stress of daily life, and I have enjoyed looking out of my window and following their antics. Aerial combat from a rook trying to distract a loitering red kite is always exciting!

Robins are one of my favourite birds, there is usually one perched nearby when I am digging in the garden, ready to snap up any grubs or worms I might turn up. A friend of mine has them literally feeding out of his hand, but I’d rather not have those wiggly mealworms near me!

The series will be released for advanced sale to my VIP collectors via email on May 14th and will then be released to the general public during my open studio event from May 15th. If you want to become a VIP collector please join my email list (link at the top of this page).

What is your favourite bird?

Artweeks Day 4

Today’s theme is 'Home Comforts & Interior Design’ and you can view the video art trail here: https://youtu.be/40cp5XyfyMA

‘Light my fire’ 16” x 16” oil on canvas board

Interior design is another of my passions, and I've almost completed a complete a refurbishment of my current home, just one room to go! It had been in the same ownership since it was built in the late 1950s and was in desperate need of some TLC (tender loving care).

This painting is inspired by the ‘snug’ in our previous home, a room with little natural light in the centre of the house. We added a garden room adjacent, with a large roof lantern and a wall of folding doors, to maximise the light reaching this space. We also added a wood burning fire for cosy winter nights.

As you can see my love of colour extends to the walls and furniture in my home, although anyone who knows this room will note that I have altered it slightly - primarily adding the sunflower painting above the chair. It's amazing how the right painting can light up a room. One day I might actually complete the tapestry that inspired this imaginary painting and it can finally be displayed!

Do you enjoy interior design, or have you got a favourite room? What is special about it?

Right now I'm really enjoying the wood-burning stove in my sitting room as I listen to the wind and rain outside. I hope the exhibitors today didn't get blown away.

Remember that my VIPs will get first dibs on my new painting collection that is being shown at Artweeks - sign up to my email using the link above if you want to join my exclusive collectors and stay in touch by email :)

Tracy x