text: I am extremely excited to invite you all to Art in the Park. As well as over 50 artists selling their work, we have a number of workshops, both for adults and children. These are selling out quickly so click here to see the programme and book a slot. The art fair is free entry and we have other free participatory arty activities as well as a sculpture trail. See you there! Art in the Park.
  As a result of organising the above I have not had much time in the studio recently. However, here are some pastel sketches I made on our recent trip to the gorgeous Gower peninsular in Wales.
  Worm’s Head
  Oxwich Bay, pastel on concertina sketch book
  Llangenith Beach
  Mixing it Up: Painting today is an exhibition bringing together 31 contemporary painters all of whom aim to keep pushing boundaries in painting. The participating artists come from a huge range of countries but all are living and working in the UK. This show aims to prove that our country is an international centre of painting today. I can’t wait to see this. Hayward Gallery 9Sept-12Dec
  Constance Spry and the Fashion for Flowers charts the rise of Spry, and floristry, as an art form. Spry liked to celebrate the individuality of plants, including those with prickles or plants usually found in the hedgerow or vegetable patch. This was truly avant garde in the 1920-30s and Spry was so fashionable, no society event was complete without her. Regular readers will know, I paint a lot of flowers and used to be a florist. This is going to be my treat once the kids are back at school! Garden Museum. Until 26 Sept
  Belloto: the Konigstein Views Reunited. 18th Century landscape painter Belloto was overlooked during his lifetime due to his ridiculously successful uncle, Cannaletto. This exhibition highlights shows five big works and how he took a radical approach to painting in the 18th century as a leading painter in his own right. National Gallery until 31st October, free
  As part of her 7th bday present, I gave my niece an art lesson last week. She painted a portrait of Big Bear and I introduced her to perspective and mixing paint with a palette knife. So much fun!