Welcome to my photo-diary from a week of top contemporary art, showing and viewing in London and Bristol🌞

Why is the “male gaze” a negative description, when it’s human nature for at least half the population to enjoy looking at attractive women?

Here’s my wrap of shows, connections, talks, and other arty fun from 2024

Understand and paint reflections - a step by step guide with worked examples

Leyster’s story is split into two sections, with a 250 year gap in the middle. Between the sections there are parallels of tenacity, deceipt, prejudice, and dishonourable behaviour!

Set in The Great Hall of Goodenough College, London. Hosted by The Worshipful Company of World Traders. Exhibition, talks, and music relating to the [in]visibility of women.

Highlights, catalogue, photos, visitor book (still open, click here)!

To what extent should you fit the mould to get into an open call exhibition?

Sketching people and places from Girona to Cherbourg

Painting and eating our way down through France

Sophie Skelton, aka “Behind the Artist” interviewed me for her fast growing archive of contemporary artists

Robot censorship v human redemption

Visiting Oxford, Avebury, and Caen Hill, with a football, sketchbooks and two boys

Lots of amazing original work, far from the madding AI crowd. I think it warrants a Salon de refuses

Free reference photos!

Some paintings are the result of an impulse. This one incubated slowly. Join me on the journey, from taking photos, through to the finished painting.

Fancy doing your own interpretation? You are welcome to use the link to download my reference photos.

My favourite tools, tips, and mindset!

Doing quick portraits is a bit like speed dating… there’s always an interesting story, here are 11!

Getting your brush out on the high street!

Eyes v camera

Can you capture a likeness in 20 minutes, and if so, how?!

How can a painting capture a moment with freshness? How can you rekindle that flash of inspiration for a subject? Collectors and artists share a secret weapon…