Jews Court - Steep Hill.

Wandering up Steep Hill during an early morning sunrise, the birds begin to wake from their slumber, and fill the streets with their morning song. Signs enticing passers by into shops and restaurants begin to emerge, and the beautiful Lincolnshire sky takes centre stage. As you approach the top, and turn to see the magnificent display, it is hard not to have your breath taken away. The effect the golden sky has on the buildings rich in history, is an image worth an early rise. It inspired this next painting in my 'Lincoln' collection. I wanted to capture the warmth the street emulates, at the beginning of a sunny spring day. Spot the little birdies, there's five to be found.

Jews Court

Another one of Lincoln's gorgeous, Steep Hill. This one is of the eldest building in Lincoln; the Jews Court. It's now a beautiful restaurant (I've eaten there and would highly recommend), and a cute little second hand book store. I've just finished painting this one and I'm waiting for it to dry; it should be done by tomorrow.

Steep Hill (completed painting)

Here's my latest finished piece. I wanted to reflect the 'Englishness' of Steep Hill, so chose a very earthy palette, and contrasted it with the rich colours of the shops painted windows and doors. The cobbled street has so much character, I wanted to emulate this in my painting.

See if you can spot all five little pigeons Hiding in the painting. They're lucky little chaps, having residency on Lincoln's most delightful and famous street!

Illustrating Steep Hill - Lincoln

When I was a wee nipper, I could spend hours a day drawing streets. Streets with butchers, bakers, and shoe shops. Houses filled with people going about their business. I've always been intrigued by the variety of curious buildings, all lined up together, all with different characters, all with a different story to tell.

Steep Hill is just about the prettiest street I've ever seen. It's filled with different shops from secondhand book stores, to delicious chocolatiers, to quirky galleries (which some of my work is in!) to delightful little tea shops. I've decided to paint it's fabulousness. The illustration above is in it's first stages, but by the end of the day it should be completely finished, so watch this space...

Pink and Spotty

Walking through the city centre today, myself and my sister noticed how grey and dark everything was on this cold, damp day. The sun was hidden behind a thick layer of cloud, everyone was wearing greys, blacks, and browns; colours reflecting the darkness of the day. Everything appeared gloomy... So, I've attempted to brighton things up with this trio of colourful, flamboyant birdies. They're part of my bird collection, which is slowly becoming quite a large flock!

Steep Hill Artists' Market - Saturday 3rd March

On the first Saturday of each month there will be a traditional and contemporary arts and crafts market. It will be held at the top of steep hill, outside the castle grounds: a truly beautiful setting. The first one will be held on SATURDAY 3RD OF MARCH. I shall be there with my very own stall, selling prints, originals and cards. There will be a variety of different stalls for you to peek at, selling anything from photography to ceramics. If you know people that would be interested, support your local artists and pass on the word. Or, if you fancy having a browse yourself, COME ALONG! You might find that special mothers day gift or card, or even something for yourself. There's also a variety of delightful shops, quaint little tea shops, and an abundance of award winning restaurants set in gorgeous buildings, rich in history, there for you to have a goosey at too. And don't miss out the chocolatiers, it's scrumdidilyumptious!

Hope to see you there, remember Saturday March the 3rd!

Wrap up warm!

As the temperatures continue to drop, mothers everywhere wrap there little chicks up snuggly and warm to brave the winter cold... This is one of the illustrations from 'little birdies' collection, it's to go on greeting cards, perfect for mothers day and easter. I'll be selling them at the Lincoln Arts Festival on March 3rd along with mounted prints and framed originals of other pieces of work.... hope to see you there!

Our New Cottage

So, we've had no internet for 2 weeks as we've moved into the cutest little cottage, in the cutest little village. I feel like we've been living in a Jane Austen book. It was actually quite pleasant being cut off from the rest of the world, but, I have to say, it's very nice to be back.

Until I move into my new studio (the 'HOUSED' project is very nearly underway) here is my new work space, right in front of the glass doors. I can look out onto our little vegetable patch and watch the world go by.