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I really enjoy writing this post, because whenever I think about my plans for the year ahead, I inevitably end up feeling really excited! 

Already 2016 looks like it will be a whirlwind of art-filled fun!

I promise to blog more regularly in 2016. Recently my weekly blogposts have fallen by the wayside, mainly because I am doing an evening course on Digital Marketing as well as painting full time. The online art market is such a fascinating subject, and definitely something that all artists should learn more about. So as well as sharing art tips and techniques on my blog, I will also be writing articles on how to tackle the dizzying world of social media.

And yes! My website is FINALLY on it’s way!

I can’t think of a nicer way to start the year! 

I’ve been given some beautiful rare snowdrops to paint by Paddy Tobin of the Irish Garden Plant Society. It’s for a collaborative project with the Irish Society of Botanical Artists which will result in an exhibition of Irish plants in the National Botanic Gardens and a book.  

With impeccable timing this little beauty decided to bloom on Christmas morning, but there are more blossoms and a blogpost on ‘how to paint white flowers’ on their way.

Already the year ahead is full of promise, with plans for exhibitions both at home and abroad. Top of the list are the Society of Botanical Artists exhibition in Westminster, Bloom in Dublin, the ISBAexhibition in the Botanic Gardens, and the SBA exhibition in Frankfurt. 

I’m also really excited about being involved in the Ellen Hutchins Festival in Bantry, which recently won the Heritage Council’s ‘Hidden Heritage Award’. Part of the joy of exhibiting is the chance to meet up with all lovely artist friends, and being able to share my enthusiasm and appreciation of art.

I have always loved travelling, and I’m thrilled that my art is now giving me wonderful opportunities to visit new places! 

Last year I met some truly inspiring artists in Spain, and plans are now underway for Spanish painting holidays. What could be nicer than painting Mediterranean plants in the sunshine with friends? I’ll be posting more details soon!

London and Frankfurt also beckon, but I’m also really excited about a planned trip to the States with my good friend Dianne Sutherland. I can’t say much more about it yet, but we’ll be going on an adventure! A Thelma and Louise with paints perhaps?

Last year I was thrilled to be involved in the Pollinator Plan,  a fantastic initiative to make Ireland a place where pollinators thrive and survive. I’ve just been given the great news that there are plans now to create a Junior Pollinator Plan, and so my little bee will be featuring in schools throughout Ireland. As well as encouraging everyone to become Bee friendly, I’ve also some bee-inspired art ideas for the year ahead.

Blogging has been such a revelation to me. As well as motivating me to paint, it’s been a fabulous way to connect with other artists and share ideas and techniques. What has surprised and touched me have been the lovely messages that I’ve been sent by people who are just starting out on their own art journey, and who have found my blogposts helpful. Thank you! 

I am thrilled to be starting my new roles as tutor for both the SBA’s Distance Learning Diploma Course, and London Art College in 2016. It was only a few years ago that I was a student on the SBA course myself, so I hope that my experience will give added insight and empathy to my teaching.

Pink is fun! I love flowers, but they can be such fickle subjects to paint! However, when I was sent a HUGE pan of Opera Rose by the fabulous Billy Showell, I knew that the Pink theme would have to go on this list. I’m still chuckling! 

So yes, there will be flowers, and they will be pink! 

Thank you Billy! Hint taken.

Vellum is definitely my favourite surface to paint on, and will certainly feature in the year ahead. As well as giving the most glorious luminosity to watercolours, there’s also the wonderful sense that you are somehow connecting with the traditions of the past. Each piece of vellum is unique and quite special. To my great delight, I have just been sent a stunning piece of deerskin vellum! I’ll be looking for something really special to paint on it. (Thanks DM)

Drawing in Silver and Gold

On a recent trip to London, I visited the British Museumwhere there was an exhibition on silverpoint. I was surprised to discover that many of the past masters used metalpoint on vellum- Dürer, Hans Holbein, Rembrandt and even Leonardo da Vinci. The work on display was breathtaking, and I came away feeling both inspired and enthused. Later another friend sent me a book of art by Victor Koulbak whose work is stunning. I’m intrigued by the possibilities that silverpoint holds and hope to try it out this year.

2015 was a challenging year for me, but one that thankfully ended on a series of great highs. Throughout it all, I have been blessed and humbled by the incredible support that I have been given by both family and friends. I am so grateful to everyone who has visited my blog, Facebook page and social media accounts. 

It’s extremely encouraging- a sincere thank you to you all.