My First Solo Exhibition - The Folly, Settle

One of the highlights of this year was my first solo exhibition at The Folly in Settle, “Living Landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales”. The experience was so rewarding—not only for the positive feedback I received, but also for the chance to see a collection of my landscape paintings gathered together in one space. The show captures different times of year in the Yorkshire Dales, a landscape that continues to inspire so much of my work.

The Folly, with its Grade I listed character and historical charm, proved to be a wonderful venue. The volunteers were welcoming, the atmosphere warm, and the coffee excellent—making it an ideal place to share my art with visitors. A highlight was meeting Katharine Holmes, who was exhibiting work from three generations of her family during the same period. 

The exhibition is currently running until January 3rd 2026.

Gargrave Art Exhibition 2025

Another significant event this year was taking part in the Gargrave Art Exhibition not only as an artist, but as a member of the team. With more than 300 artworks to hang in just two days, the task initially felt daunting, but it turned into a great learning experience. Working alongside such an experienced team was both motivating and enjoyable, and I also valued being part of the sales team for a session during the exhibition. I’m looking forward to contributing again in 2026.

Continued Artist Development

As a self-taught artist, I try to invest in my own learning each year. In 2025, I continued to focus on portraiture and life drawing—skills I view as fundamental to my artistic development.

My year began with a “Study the Masters: Portraits in Charcoal” workshop led by Luke Thompson, followed by a two-day “Portraits in Oils” course. In November, I rounded off my professional development with another two-day workshop on “Studying the Masters: Landscapes”, once again under Luke’s guidance. Working alongside other artists and learning from Luke has pushed me in new directions and helped refine both my techniques and my creative thinking. 

A professional artist in the Derby Sketching Club many years ago told me, “Paintings are for everyone, but life drawing is for the artist,” and that idea has stayed with me ever since. I continue to join untutored life drawing sessions whenever I can, as well as untutored portrait sessions hosted by:

Leeds Drawing Club, led by Ellie Andrews

Workshops in Yorkshire, led by Luke Thompson

Keighley Creative, led by Martin Cosgrove

Ilkley Arts and Bini Brewery, led by Rachel Hinds

These sessions provide invaluable opportunities to observe, experiment, and stay connected to a community of artists who share the same passion for drawing from life.

My art practice has developed this year with more portrait work in the studio.

I am looking forward to applying my learning from this year, and hoping to spend more time outdoors with my oils in 2026. Working outside provides more natural light and rather than working from memory, provides the opportunity to capture colours as I see them in the moment. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged, visited exhibitions, or simply taken an interest in my work this year. I look forward to creating, learning, and sharing more in 2026.