One Leaf Falling, acrylic on panel, 24 x 24 cm, 2016

I think the digital age, whilst it may bring with it new challenges and difficulties, has been nothing but fantastic for artists, writers and those in the creative industries generally. The main benefit I’ve enjoyed is making contact with all kinds of wonderful people around the globe, and sharing a common love for art, for making, for stories and for the landscape around us.

The little painting in this post is the product of exactly that kind of connection. A few months ago, Steve Hobbs, a writer, Gallery Interpreter at Compton Verney and many other things, contacted me about a commission, having come across my work via the internet and links from other blogs. A couple of years ago Steve had written a beautifully melancholy piece about the uniquely contemplative moods of autumn. He sent me a copy and asked if I’d like to create a piece of work that would go with the writing. I loved the imagery in the words, and the poetic introspective of the author, so I said YES PLEASE and made a start. You can read Steve’s wonderful piece of writing, One Leaf Falling, on his blog here.

Steve’s wife, Maggie, is also creative, an inspired maker of exquisite little felted worlds, captured within delicate hand blown bell jars, I really love them:

Maggie’s work is currently being exhibited at Red Dot Gallery in Holt and Twenty Twenty Gallery in Much Wenlock.

It’s been great to make contact with Steve and Maggie and I hope we can get to meet one day. Steve’s painting is now at the framers and will soon make it’s way up to it’s new home where I hope it’ll be enjoyed for many years to come.

And finally here are a couple of sketchbook pages, tracing the evolution of the painting, from tiny thumbnails about a couple of inches across. This is usually how I start the process, making endless little drawings, testing out compositions and colours. I spend a lot of time travelling so flights and train journeys go much quicker when i’m doodling away….