Another train sketch

on the way up to the View from the Shard on Tuesday, I had another sketch on the train. It was only later that I realised that my sketch on the left page of the book actually joined well with the previous sketch on the right...it wasnt planned!

The Royal Visit - The Queen and Prince Philip visit Harveys Brewery, Lewes

Today is the day...a right Royal visit to Lewes. Hope that the Queen and Prince Philip get their Harvey's Crate to take back to the palace!

House and Family portrait commission

Here is the other commission that I finished recently, and I can now share on here.

One little dog likes to take their daughter for a walk! The other is happiest watching the world go by from a comfy spot in the front window!

Commission for Plumpton Racecourse staff

Now I can show you a painting I finished recently on commission by the staff at Plumpton Racecourse, as a leaving present.
All the team and directors were to be in the picture, and Claire's dog, who often accompanies her to work.
The astro turf isn't being strimmed, by the way, although I realise now that it looks a bit like it is!!

more sketching on a train

On the way up to London midday Wednesday

On the way home around 10pm Wednesday

Hooray! A day in London full of self indulgence with three exhibitions to visit, and sketchbook in bag.

The first train I got on heading to Victoria was so full and I was squeezed into a group of four seats with three lads. Sketching just wasnt going to happen here, so I hopped off at Haywards Heath and got the Bedford train, which was actually a much more sensible option as I could travel direct to Black

friars with no need for underground.

Anyway, this train had much more room and i was able to sketch the man opposite me who happily had his nose in the paper. Another couple joined him at Gatwick and they were deep in conversation. Sketching makes the journey fly!!

After a wonderful day with trips to The Cheapside Hoard at the Museum of London, the Illustration exhibition at the British Library and finally a wander around the gorgeous Affordable Art Fair at Battersea, I was able to sketch again on my way home.

Fab day... 

Market Street life - Lewes Food Market in winter

Here is my latest painting...a wintery snowy version of a painting done some time ago, of the Lewes Friday Food Market, at the Old Market Tower, in Market Street, Lewes.
I love painting snow for a change, and little gloves and wellies on my people!
Spot the bargain just picked up from the Lewes Flea Market, down the road...

Plumpton Crossing Gates and Signal Box

Plumpton's historic and listed signal box and manually operated gates are under threat from modernisation. Sadly we might not see this scene next year, so I thought I would paint it for Christmas. I have brought back the steam train and the signal box posters of old, but brought them in with 21st century Plumpton walkers.
I had some very rough handmade paper by Two Rivers. It suited the snow, and I fancied painting something a bit more, free. The paper just suited what I had in mind. I see a few things to finish, I have left the top off my signal...but I must try not to get too wrapped up in detail for a change!!....