Just finished the portrait of my beautiful niece Georgia Ella………………Hope you like it!!

The wisteria on the cottage looked the best ever this year so I have taken some photos for a possible a future painting!

In the Graves Museum opposite was the Andy Warhol Self Portraits exhibition.  My first encounter with his work was at Art School in the seventies at Northwich……..Happy Days!!

Had some great publicity this month with my snooker portraits……….The Four Shires, The Yorkshire Post, World Snooker Sheffield 2012………………………Thanks to all of you.

Had my photos taken with Hazel and Michaela and their portraits. Thanks to Journalist Monique and her camera for doing a great job!

“Skylarks advertise their territories by a spectacular song-flight, during which the bird rises almost vertically with rapid wing beats, hovering for several minutes then parachuting down.  Song-flights of up to one hour have been recorded, and the birds can reach a thousand feet before descending”

So………. if you find a few minutes in your busy day then click,  and listen to “The Lark Ascending” My favourite violin solo  composed by Sir Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Mad March Hares!……………………..My friend and local watercolour artist June Willsher paints the most wonderful animals, her painting of two boxing hares is lovely and you can order a limited edition print from her at www.junewillsher.com

Been busy with my portrait of Mr Getley, master of the Bicester on his hunter Gershom ,  nearly finished!!

I have been busy with my horse and rider portraits building up my equestrian  portfolio.  I loved the feature in this months Field magazine…………..The Real Warhorse Warrior , as it featured work from my favourite horse painter  Sir Alfred Munnings  1879-1959 This painting shows Warrior, a bay thoroughbred with General Jack Seely.

Here is more of his work. ………………I am particularly interested in his side saddle portraits as I am now about to start painting my second one!

Here is my painting of Sienna, owned by Mrs Jane Patterson,  Pictured out in the  Northumberland countryside.

The Chapel lies south of Edinburgh in Midlothian.  Founded in 1446 by William St Claire, the Chapel took over 40 years to complete.  Roslyn has survived turbulent times, reformation, part demolition, and general disrepair.  Initial restoration was carried out in 1736 and then in earnest in the early 1880′s by the St Clair family.  By 1862 the Chapel was once more a working Church.

Our friendly, informative guide was a pleasure to meet………..the most fabulous carvings and stonework I have ever seen.  Detailed figures, angels, flowers and vines adorn every surface.  Well worth a visit, but plan well……………since the Davinci Code was released visitor numbers to this small village have shot from around 30 thousand each year to around 260 thousand     www.rosslynchapel.com

Another cold snap is upon us and I have been out in the crisp air splitting Ash logs for the fire.  The Ash tree is not only a towering beauty admired in our woodlands and hedgerows, but produces a hard wood that burns bright and gives off a great heat………………………reminding me of the old Woodman’s poem.” Logs to burn”  Find it on Google!

The photographer that caught my eye this month with his atmospheric image of a solitary Ash tree in a winter hedgerow was Chris Charlesworth.  See more of his work at www.chrischarlesworth.co.uk

This years Masters Snooker is from Alexander Palace in London. Great tournament and some surprises behind the scenes.  This was the players lounge………………very grand. The little Lynn in the middle gives you some idea how huge these murals are!

This year to get us in early festive mood we headed off to Waddesdon Manor.  A favourite at Christmas time for its beautifully decorated apartments.  This year the theme was Italian Christmas.

Built by the French architect Destailleur in the style of the chateaux of the Loire valley in 1874 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his collection of 18th century tapestries, furniture and ceramics.  It is now owned by the National Trust,  well worth a visit any time of the year.       www.waddesdon.org.uk

A bright,cold winter’s day, perfect for a trip inland from the Northumberland coast to take some pictures of the stunning landscape. Passing through the lovely village of Ford reminded me of an earlier visit to the Lady Waterford Hall. Lady Waterford, born in 1818 was an accomplished Pre-Raphaelite artist. She was tutored by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and attended drawing classes by John Ruskin, together with Lady Trevelyn and Kate Greenway. it is also believed she modelled for Sir John Everett Millais in several of his works. After the death of her husband in 1886 from a hunting accident she painted over a 22year period to complete the watercolour panels which now adorn the original school hall in Ford Village. www.ford-and-etal.co.uk

An evening out for a pub supper to the Butchers Arms www.thebutchersarms.com Not only did we have a great evening with good company and wonderful food, but the added bonus of seeing Paul Jame’s artwork on the walls!………………….huge portraits, in vibrant colours of the most endearing characters! see his work at   www.pauljamesart.com

Took my camera with me when taking Salty dog for a walk and got some lovely shots of our village allotments. Have always loved the mix and match of huts, tin sheds, flowers, veggies, wheelbarrows etc and hope to use these for some future paintings.

Not had time to do much picture painting this month as been busy with the emulsion painting of the cottage! All rooms done now so can chill out and enjoy the coming cold winter nights…….. Cosy nights in by the log burner with Salty C Dog!!