June 2022
Campervans and cruise ships - the start of the tourist season in Orkney without a doubt. And good to see the smaller ships docking in Stromness, visible from my studio window here.
Cards from my work have been topped up in the Loft Gallery in St. Margaret's Hope, my stand at Kirkwall Airport Cafe, Skaill House Shop, Castaway Crafts in Dounby and Plainstones Shop in Stromness.
January 2022
Happy New Year! A new year means new paintings and that feels good, even if today there's the obligatory wild gale blowing with ferry disruptions announced and the sky and sea are merged into one grey block. Cheery news is that I now have my cards for a short time till next month for sale in Plainstones shop in Stromness which is supporting e'Pap porridge for young children in Africa. 50% of sales go to that worthy cause. And it's also heartening to see Kirkwall Airport, after tight restrictions over the pandemic, opening up more freely. The cafe and shop are fully functioning once more, and my card stand in the latter is once more in action. 2022 is looking brighter as those restrictions finally and thankfully ease.
July 2021
There's suddenly a lot of visitors here again after a year of covid lockdown and it's nice to have that summer buzz back in the air once more. Top-ups of my cards have gone out to Castaway Crafts in Dounby and Skaill House shop, and for the first time The Workshop and Loft Gallery in St Margaret's Hope are also selling them too. Thanks to all my lovely stockists. Here's to a good summer season for all after lockdown.
June 2021
The Summer Collection group show is now open at the Old Library, Kirkwall till the 26th June. Take a peep at 'Recent Work Showing Now' on my menu bar to see a few of the paintings submitted. It feels very poignant to be back in the Old Library again and for the very last time before the business relocates. The first time showing work there was way back in 1973 as part of a school exhibition - a large pencil drawing of driftwood, giving an indicator even then of how much I loved pattern and detail. Big thanks to Stewart Bain and staff for being so helpful in the run up and for hanging the whole exhibition.
May 2021
Easing out of a pandemic and getting ready to be part of the summer group show at the Old Library, Kirkwall in early June. Ten paintings going in plus cards. In the meantime, with things opening up again, cards and framed prints are available from the magical interior of Castaway Crafts in Dounby as well as at the Airport Shop or contact me directly from this website if you have any queries. And I've finally put my work out there too on Instagram, now linked to this site - and encouraged by daughters!
4th January 2021
Happy New Year! Final chance this week to catch 'The Christmas Collection' exhibition at The Old Library in Kirkwall before it finishes at the weekend.
21st November 2020
'The Old Library Christmas Collection' exhibition is now open in Kirkwall. It's a good feeling to be sharing this space with twelve other Orkney artists and makers in this different year. I've six watercolours on show. A big thank you to Stewart Bain and team at the Old Library for bringing this all to fruition.
May 2020
You could say that artists have been self-isolating for years, but a pandemic certainly makes life more complex. So it's a case of continuing to keep my head below the parapet here in my studio. Having been asked to be part of a group Christmas exhibition at the tail end of this year in the Old Library in Kirkwall is keeping me focused on work while the UK news is anything but cheery. But a new paint order's being placed this week so there is plenty to do. Stay safe.
September 2019
I now have original artwork, framed and mounted prints and cards for sale in the Scottish Design Exchange, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh till the end of March 2020. It's great to be part of an enterprise supporting Scottish artists. My sea-themed work struck a chord with their own proximity to the water and I'm so delighted to be showcasing work back in Edinburgh where I originally studied. The Scottish Design Exchange shop is located on the first floor of the mall at the end where the Royal Yacht Britannia is moored.
April 2019
It's sunny, the lupins in my garden are regrouping and the wind has dropped fractionally - it must be Spring. Studio work has been on commissions, but I'm now freewheeling again - watch this space. And with the cruise ships steaming into port here in Orkney once more, the 2019 season has arrived. Top ups of cards have gone to Kirkwall Airport, Castaway Crafts and the Quoyloo Brewery. Bring on summer!
September 2018
Sheila Fleet's Gallery in Kirkwall have recently topped up my cards and prints for sale, and their excellent new Gallery/Cafe in Tankerness has some of my cards out there too in their upstairs craft section.
Knighton Fine Art in Wales recently placed a card order too, so it's great to be represented 'south of the border'.
April 2018
New commissions have kept me busy at my board, but just to say that with the spring and summer season now upon us, I've been stocking up my cards in various outlets. If you're passing Castaway Crafts in Dounby, go visit! Fiona Mitchell's shop and gallery is an Aladdin's Cave of quality crafts and she kindly stocks my cards and framed prints. My card stand at Deb's Cafe at Kirkwall Airport is now also full for the season, and new stock has also gone out to the excellent Quoyloo Brewery Shop. Skaill House Shop has also been replenished and over on Hoy, the Stromabank Hotel will soon have my cards there for sale. Here comes summer!
November 2017
It's back to the drawing board now after my solo show finished at the weekend. A messy studio needs to be tidied and commissions undertaken - who says artists twiddle their thumbs? New cards from the show will be going out to Castaway Crafts in Dounby and to the airport stand, and of course, can still be acquired in The Exhibition Room shop in the Old Library, Kirkwall.
28th October 2017
My solo exhibition 'Full Circle' is now on in The Exhibition Room, The Old Library, Kirkwall until the 25th November. Hats off to Neil for regenerating this special gallery space for Orkney artists and special thanks to Stewart, Jean and Rebecca for their help and support in the run up to the opening.
April 2017
Wind and rain - we must be careering towards an Orkney summer. I've had the head down at my drawing board and easel working for a solo exhibition later in the year. In the meantime, my cards have been topped up at the Orkney Brewery Shop, the airport cafe, Skaill House, Julia's Cafe in Stromness and Castaway Crafts in Dounby.
WINTER 2016
7th December 2016
New cards just gone off to the wonderful Linden Tree in Huntly, Aberdeenshire if anyone in that area is passing. Ingrid Binning's beautiful shop and gallery is right in the market square and jam-packed with festive goodies. Check out their Facebook page.
The nights are drawing in and that also means that the Orkney framers will be busy. Why do all the Christmas Open exhibitions creep up so fast each year? Two pieces going in to the Pier Arts Centre Open - but first to the framers to join the busy pre-festive queue...
25th MAY 2016
Just been stocking up the card stand in Julia's Cafe, Stromness - excellent coffee, cakes and hot food and with the Orkney Folk Festival kicking off tomorrow, the town will be buzzing - enjoy!
OPEN WINDOWS, KIRKWALL from 16TH - 30th April 2016
30 artists, 30 windows along the Kirkwall street. Find me in the menus window, Orkney Hotel annexe, Victoria Street!
APRIL 2016
The Quoyloo Brewery shop now stocks my cards - another great place to visit for coffee, lunch or even beer, and Sheila Fleet Gallery in Kirkwall's Bridge Street have taken new cards and prints too for the season.
MARCH 2016
Ten new card designs have just gone out to Skaill House Gift Shop - all inspired by the House itself and what with their Open Day on Saturday 26th March and a revamped gift shop, falconry displays and a good cup of coffee available, it seems the ideal place to head with the family.
JANUARY 2016
Four 'Shore' paintings up in the Bayleaf Delicatessen in Stromness alongside Eilidh Warnock's work, plus cards for sale.
NOVEMBER 2015
Storm 'Abigail' is blowing into Orkney, and so too are the Christmas Open Shows at the Pier Arts Centre, The Waterfront and the Bay Leaf Delicatessen very shortly. Be prepared to be blown away!
AUGUST 2015
Touched By Scotland 'ORKNEY HERE' exhibition 22 August - 24 October 2015
Just opened! I've taken thirteen special Orkney arts and crafts folk away to the 'Touched By Scotland' Gallery in Oyne, Aberdeenshire for an exhibition called 'Orkney Here'. In a great big gallery set in beautiful countryside with Gadie's Restaurant attached, our show runs till late October. Painters include myself, Marian Ashburn, Shona Firth and Fiona Norris; jewellery by Alison Moore and Celina Rupp; photography by Rebecca Marr; the potters are Elaine Henderson and David Holmes; Morag Tweedie's on board with mixed media; Fiona Mitchell from Castaway Crafts has tweed products; Betty Laughton Knitwear and Pam Crichton's The Little Orkney Dye Shed yarns are also there and Attic Records have cd's for sale. If you're in the area, it's a big delicious slice of Orkney colour and clever crafts - a good day out if you're feeling homesick for Orkney.
Check out the Touched By Scotland Facebook page for further info.
Also included in the show is my collaboration with www.laurawestville.com who make bespoke, handmade items using the finest of fabrics and threads. They selected two of my paintings and have translated them into bespoke, limited edition cushions for sale. It's been very exciting for me to see how they've translated my way of seeing into theirs in thread. I'm very happy with the end result.
Art Open Exhibition
There's an art open at the Cromarty Hall in St Margaret's Hope this weekend 15/16/17th August...three of my paintings plus cards gone there...there should be lots of other interesting work on show...check it out.
JUNE 2015
The Longship, Broad Street, Kirkwall sell my cards. Mounted prints are now available at Castaway Crafts in Dounby as of 18th June.
My small show of work is now on in the Skaill House Art Porch for this month and next. I follow on from Ingrid Grieve's good exhibition held there. Thanks to Lauren Thomson, the manager at Skaill, whose idea it was to use the space in this way - encouraging for local artists to have such an interesting and historical outlet for their work in this elegant old house.
APRIL 2015
New card designs have gone in to The Linden Tree in Huntly. Ingrid Binning and her team give you a very warm welcome and the shop is packed with beautiful gifts - visit if you're in the area.
The Stromness Surgery have let me extend my small show in their waiting room so I've put in some flower paintings in the hope that the weather might warm up. It snowed this morning and the Hoy Hills are now white....
Sheila Fleet Gallery in Kirkwall now have a selection of my mounted prints for sale.
Check out The Waterfront Gallery in Stromness for their Spring Open Show. 'Summer Storm', one of my recent acrylic paintings, features in it plus a wealth of other local artists' work.
My cards now sell at Skaill House Gift Shop - a new outlet for me. The shop has been cleverly revamped by Lauren Thomson, manager of Skaill, with more emphasis put on local arts and crafts. I'm looking forward to exhibiting in their 'Art Porch' over the summer. Skaill House is open seven days a week 9.30am - 5.30pm for the season with good take-away coffee available too - not much not to like!
Another new outlet for my cards is Castaway Crafts in Dounby village. A real gem of a craft shop - and yet more proof (as if it was needed) that the standard of arts and crafts in Orkney is exemplary.
FEBRUARY 2015
A small selection of my work is on display on the walls at the Stromness Surgery. Thanks to all there for letting me show - it's good to get work out and into public spaces.
JANUARY 2015
Happy New Year! The Bayleaf Delicatessen just off Graham Place in Stromness has extended my show there till the end of February. In December, to reflect the festive season, I switched my 'Blues' paintings for 'Reds', so next time you're in for cheese, olives and that great range of tea and coffee, take a look at my little Orkney Matrioshkas (...and cards still for sale) and have a chat with Gavin, the owner. He offers a new range of hampers to suit all tastes and has cleverly tied them in with 'Cream' giftware and Stromness Books and Prints eclectic cookbooks - smart!
NOVEMBER 2014
The Linden Tree in Huntly are exhibiting my work - paintings and cards for sale - for the month of November. Ingrid Binning will give you a warm welcome in this lovely little shop/gallery in the Main Square.
OCTOBER 2014
'Blues', my third show at the Bayleaf Delicatessen, Stromness opens on the 13th October and runs till Christmas. Paintings and cards on sale.
JULY 2014
Julia's Cafe in Stromness now have my cards for sale. Enjoy good coffee and food overlooking the harbour - especially now with our scorching Orkney summer weather!
MAY 2014
Sheila Fleet's Gallery (www.sheilafleet.com) at 30 Bridge Street, Kirkwall stock a selection of my cards, as does Kirkwall Airport Shop.
MARCH 2014
The winter months in Orkney mean gales and short daylight hours. I've had my head down in the studio working away but now the days are getting longer and crocuses and daffodils are appearing. Hoy across the water can still disappear in veils of cloud and rain but Spring is palpable. These quiet months are good just to get more work made before the summer season rolls in.
DECEMBER 2013
The Festive Season! Well, it must be as the Pier Arts Centre and The Waterfront Gallery in Stromness have their Christmas Open Shows now on and mulled wine and mince pies were being offered last Friday night. Both have paintings of mine on show with a veritable Christmas stocking of other work there too from paintings to crafts and silverware. 'For Arts Sake' in Kirkwall in the Anchor Buildings has its Open on now as well with two pieces of my work also there. On till 24th December 2013....
There is still some of my work on the walls of The Linden Tree in Huntly (see section below) for December.
NOVEMBER 2013
THE LINDEN TREE, 8 The Square, Huntly (tel: 01466 568002) is now showing a selection of my paintings for this month, November 2013. It's a welcoming and inviting arts, crafts and gifts shop. Ingrid Binning has an eye for the interesting and the unusual and there's always a warm welcome. If you want a peep at what is on show, go to their very vibrant and regularly updated Facebook page for a taster. I also have cards and mounted prints for sale there.
GLENISLA FRAMES (www.glenisla.net) 173 Mid Street, Keith, Banffshire (tel: 01542 886601) stocks a selection of my cards, as does the BIRSAY BAY TEAROOM (www.birsaybaytearoom.co.uk) (tel:01856 721 399) here in Orkney. Their winter opening hours from 1st November 2013 are Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday 11am - 3.30pm. Delicious home baking in the warmth right next to the Atlantic Ocean...can't get much better!
SUMMER 2013
The Midsummer Open Art Exhibition in the Cromarty Hall, St Margaret's Hope which runs from 21st June till Monday 24th June 2013 10am - 4pm is showing two pieces of my work along with many other local artists' work.
An EXHIBITION OF MY RECENT DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS is now on at THE BAYLEAF DELICATESSEN, 19 Graham Place, Stromness (tel: (01856) 851 605) running from 17 JULY - 7 SEPTEMBER 2013. Gavin Warnock's shop (great olives, cheese, coffees and loads of other yummy things) has an active 'art wall' with local artists exhibiting every two months. All work is for sale, along with a range of my cards.
The Hoy Open Art & Craft Exhibition - starts Saturday 27th July to Thursday 8th August 2013 (11am - 4pm) in the Hoy Kirk has four of my paintings on show. Jump on the Hoy boat to Moaness from Stromness to visit. The Hoy cafe at the pier will recharge your batteries if needed before the short walk to the Kirk. A good day out and loads of work from other local artists to enjoy.
