The clocks are going forward - great, now I can start sketching!

Hi, I hope this finds you well. This is a quick mid-month catch up from Stella at the Painting Zone, Cirencester. 

As the clocks going forward the change of light feels like my cue to get outside more and notice nature, including the people around me. I want to take a pocket-sketchbook and pencil to capture and keep some personal, sketched responses to its amazing beauty and fascinating surprises. I’m always curious about the magic the can be created with a piece of paper, a pencil and few minutes of deeper-than-usual looking 

Adjusting my mind actually to doing that sketching is not always easy especially after I’ve had a break from drawing for a while. Drawing in a group is a good jump-starter. I’m lucky to have the added inspiration of leading drawing and painting classes which excite me and inspire my own practice, as well as being sociable and fun.

Next Saturday 25 March, there’s a “Draw The Head” day-school at the Painting Zone studio in Cirencester. I’ll be there to support you to re-engage with your drawing, look closely at the form and features of the human head and how these can be represented powerfully using pencil or charcoal. There are still two spaces and if you’d like to join me, you’ll be very welcome. Materials are provided and you can take advantage of the introductory day-school reduced pricing which is still offered. For information and to book, please visit the website:

If you’re interested in refining how you can add watercolour to your sketches, there are also two “Watercolour Skills” day-schools coming up on Wednesday and Thursday 19 & 20 April, also still at the introductory price.