Every August for the last few years, something a little bit magical has happened in my garden. I open up my studio – a peaceful space tucked away in Awbridge, near Romsey – and invite people in to have a proper look around. This year I’m taking part in Hampshire Open Studios once again from 22nd-26th August and I can’t wait to welcome you.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the finished portrait, how a photograph of your beloved dog or horse ends up as a detailed, characterful painting, this is your chance to find out in person.
What is Hampshire Open Studios?
Hampshire Open Studios is an annual event that gives artists across the county the opportunity to open their doors to the public. It’s a wonderful way to discover the remarkable breadth of creative talent right on your doorstep and to meet the people behind the work rather than just seeing it on a screen.
I’ve been taking part for years, sometimes in a location collaborating with other creators but, for the last few years, from my wonderful home studio. For me, it’s also a chance to show my work in the setting it was created in, which feels quite different from a gallery wall or a website page.
What will you find when you visit?
When you come to my studio you’ll be able to see a range of original pet portraits – watercolours, oil paintings, and iPet drawings – along with work in progress if I’m in the middle of a commission. I love showing people the different stages, from the initial pencil sketch right through to the finished piece, because it helps to explain why photos matter so much and how the painting develops.
You’ll also be able to browse examples across all my subject areas – dogs, cats, horses – and see the range of formats available, from framed watercolour paintings to iPet portraits printed on canvas, slate, or paper. I also challenge myself and create other artworks too, so you will find people and landscapes on display as well.
I’ll be on hand throughout to chat about commissions, answer questions and talk through which approach might suit you best. There’s no pressure and no obligation – it’s simply a lovely, relaxed way to explore what’s possible. We will also have some produce for sale in aid of beautiful Farley Chamberlayne Church – and my wonderful husband Mike will be keeping the tea and cake topped up, too! We had a little giggle about this! I read out to Mike and he said, “Really?!” He will be working on the Tuesday and Wednesday, but not next year as he’ll have retired!!
Why I love opening my studio
Hampshire Open Studios is always one of the highlights of my year. Although I love taking part in exhibitions and fairs, there’s something that feels far more personal about welcoming people into the space where I work.
I also find it incredibly rewarding to talk to people about their pets. Everyone who comes through the door has a story about an animal they love, and hearing those stories is one of the best parts of what I do. Sometimes people arrive not quite knowing what they want and leave having ordered a commission for a birthday or anniversary. Others come simply to look and end up with a print or a ready-made coaster.
Either way, I love meeting you. This leads onto the ultimate best part of my job, the moment when having been commissioned, the reaction of the owners face and their emotions when the portrait is revealed to them. This is the best part, knowing I’ve got it right. You might ask, are you not nervous about this part? I am, but having done commissions for fourteen years now I’m pretty confident the exactness I adhere to always works. The beauty of the iPet means alterations can happen too, but usually with a painting, although oils can be changed, I’ve not had to alter hardly any.
Last year I was lucky enough to be found through the Hampshire Open Studios magazine by a lovely gentleman who commissioned a portrait of his much-missed Bearded Collie – a beautiful reminder of a faithful companion. So much so I arranged a print of the painting onto canvas for his mum (Read more about Badger here.) That kind of connection is exactly why I do this.
Come and find me this August
My studio is at my home in Awbridge, Hampshire, just a short drive from Romsey. Full details are here on my website and social media (and were in my newsletter if you subscribe to that!).
I hope to see you there. Come with questions, come with photos of your pets on your phone, or just come for a browse and a cuppa. You’ll be very welcome.
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