I decided to scale back on exhibition activity this year. I had begun to feel that I was working only to deadlines rather than exploring and developing my work. I’d decided to have a break for a year or so, but then got involved in some fun activities in my local area. So glad I did.

In the summer I took part in an urban sketching exhibition with a difference. The Cardboard Collective exhibition started at the Courtyard Gallery in Solihull and then toured various venues in Birmingham throughout the summer. All works in the exhibition were drawn and painted onto cardboard to highlight recycling issues.

I also took part in the Newhampton Arts Centre’s ‘Paint the Day’, a Paint-out en plein air, followed by an exhibition of all works in the MUNI Gallery.

These were both sketching opportunities, and it was great to do some direct work and get involved with local artists.

I also had an oil painting accepted for the Shropshire Open 2019, currently showing at the Gateway in Shrewsbury. A lovely exhibition and venue on the River Severn.