Hi everyone so this is my first blog post on my new website. I am so pleased you have taken the time to look at what I do.

I am a self taught artist who paints from a small cob cottage in a village nestled in the lanes and rolling hills of Mid Devon.  I  painted for many years without showing anyone except very close family and friends. But around 4 years ago I tentatively showed my art to some work colleagues, they were very complimentary and one even asked if she could buy a painting! A seed was sown. So I hope you enjoy seeing what I paint and where my painting will lead me  ........

Rachel

I am so pleased to say that here I am 8 years later still painting, and more importantly still enjoying what I do 

World events, wars, climate change are all in our daily new feeds, and I continue to cope with some health issues and a body that doesn't always do what I want it to. That said however last year was a good one, for me. I continued to paint and continued to have people pay their hard earned money for my work.

My third calendar was available this year and has Sold Out !

I still have my book on sale  of my swimming women along with my poems . I was so thrilled by the response it got. I shall continue selling them , for as long as people show an interest, Thankyou so much to anyone who bought one.

I have also introduced keyrings to my range, some of which are still available, shall I do more ? Or coasters perhaps ?

This year has been a year of firsts...but also a year to consolidate what I do. I have continued to paint as often as I can , discovered a new way to paint light. I love to master new things and when the result is pleasing it is such a joy.

 Continued to challenge myself with portraits

and seascapes

 It has been a year to try to get better at subjects I love too, Like a swan landing.

A year when my crows really got noticed , by the society of women artists and the Royal Institute of Painters in watercolour 

and another highlight was getting into the Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition this year with my octopus

Along with my daughter's Jellyfish, it was a real highlight to be exhibiting together in London, both these pieces are available as prints. 

Oh I have had my failures too...but I learn from them and move on

I have been lucky enough to create new commissions for people, and I find great joy , especially when a painting is loved by the recipient.

The end of the year brought new challenges ,moving house, learning to live with cronic pain, realising I can't paint for as long as I used to, even learning to say no to some things.

All in all 2024 was a good year, and in 2025 I will try my best to keep painting, keep trying new things and keep challenging myself, as I have found if I take risks, nine times out of ten, they pay off.

Happy New Year to all of you, your input , your comments and your support is wonderful , thank you x