Spring 2026 Art Newsletter: New Work & Inspiration

New Energy in the Studio This Spring

Spring has always been my favourite season. It carries a sense of optimism and possibility — the first curlews returning to the moors, March hares racing across the fields, snowdrops giving way to daffodils, and the welcome arrival of longer, brighter days after winter.

For me, spring also marks a time of renewal in the studio. It’s an opportunity to build on the work of the previous year while exploring new ideas and directions. That sense of movement and discovery is one of the things I find most exciting about art.

At any one time I usually have around a dozen oil paintings in progress, alongside charcoal drawings on a separate easel. I rotate between pieces while paint dries, but I also tend to work on whichever painting is sparking the most excitement or presenting an interesting challenge. My approach is intuitive and often spontaneous — sometimes beginning a new piece simply to capture the colour or composition while the idea is still fresh in my mind.

New Work on the Easel - Malham Cove

A recent painting has been inspired by a walk around Malham with friends visiting the area. The forecast was poor, but rather than cancel we set off regardless, wrapped in full waterproofs.

On what began as a dull and wet day, I suddenly noticed the vivid red hawthorn berries set against the pale limestone backdrop of Malham Cove. It was a striking contrast that I had not noticed on previous visits.

Moments like these are often the starting point for a painting — unexpected colours revealed by natural light and weather. This work is not just about the landscape itself, but also about the memory of that day: walking with friends, the shifting light, and the vivid colours appearing when least expected.

Developing My Practice

The start of 2026 feels particularly exciting following a successful exhibition at The Folly in Settle.

As part of my ongoing professional development, I attended workshops with Luke Thompson during 2025. These introduced me to the Zorn palette and to Rosemary brushes, both of which have influenced the way I now approach colour and materials.

I have always worked with a limited palette, aiming to capture colour as I observe it in natural light. Recently I have been experimenting with different limited palette combinations, while using the Zorn palette particularly for portrait work. These experiments are already beginning to shape new directions in my painting.

Continual Learning

I am also looking forward to further professional development during 2026.

This includes workshops at Workshops in Yorkshire and a Life Painting Masterclass in Oils led by Richard Kitson at Creative Harrogate.

Alongside this, I regularly attend untutored portrait and life drawing sessions whenever possible. I see drawing as fundamental to my practice — constantly strengthening observation and understanding of form.

A new opportunity this year is the drawing sessions with Worth Valley Art Group, which I am very much looking forward to joining for their monthly portrait session.

Gargrave Art Group

Gargrave Art Group continues to be an important part of my artistic life. Each month a different member selects a theme, which encourages me to explore ideas beyond my usual inspirations. The group also offers opportunities for still life and portrait work.

I always leave these sessions feeling inspired and energised. They provide a wonderful complement to my own studio practice.

Follow the Journey

Spring is already bringing new ideas to the studio, and I look forward to sharing further work and developments throughout the year.

If you would like to see more of my recent paintings and drawings, please visit the gallery on my website where I share new work as it develops.

You can also follow my artistic journey on Instagram where I regularly post some of my drawing practice alongside studio work.

Thank you for your continued interest and support - its always greatly appreciated.

Link to Website Gallery

Link to Instagram