April Sunshine, Growth, Connection & Quiet Moments
Posted on Apr 30, 2025April has brought a real sense of renewal—longer days, brighter skies, and that springtime energy that lifts the spirit and inspires new beginnings. With Easter symbolising a season of growth and fresh starts, it feels like the perfect time to embrace new ideas and directions.
It’s been a busy, uplifting month: new work taking shape, new gallery opportunities, and the joy of sharing through demonstrations. Studio time spent with fellow artists has been energising. I’ve been pushing into new territory—experimenting with form, texture, and colour, with a sense of possibility guiding the way.
New connections with the Association of Wildlife Artists, talking over a beer about future exhibitions, helping out and demonstrating at Meet the Artists, on Saturday 3rd May as part of the Spring Exhibition, Rose Patterson Gallery, Weston Park where I am exhibiting Equs and Primate 1st May to 29th May so hope you can join me or the other artists for a chat and explore the wide selection of Animal Art on display.
Gallery Visits | 25 Years of Two Artistic Landmarks
Gallery visits always offer a valuable perspective. I returned to The New Art Gallery Walsall, explored the beautiful setting and enjoyed two inspiring visits to the RBSA Gallery. Each visit offered something unique—familiar and unfamiliar works, enlightening conversations, and that spark you get from seeing art through others’ eyes.
At Walsall, I am always drawn to two extraordinary sculptures by Sally Ryan, part of the Garman Ryan Collection.
The Martinique (1934), a compelling portrait of a Black woman, stood out for its quiet strength and dignity. Ryan’s sensitive bronze offers a respectful one that still resonates powerfully today. Nathaniel, a tender bust of Ryan’s son, captures a moment of deep maternal affection; its softness and introspection are beautiful.
At the RBSA, the 25 for 25 exhibition celebrated 25 years since the long-established gallery’s move to the Jewellery Quarter, its current location. Selected by members and staff, the show brought rarely seen archive works to light. A standout for me was Henry (Harry) Albert Payne’s Head of a Young Girl (c.1905)—a beautifully modelled sculpture full of grace and stillness and captivating eye contact. The piece felt timeless, poised, gentle, and deeply human. It’s always so good to be part of the buzz at private views, sharing conversations with artists and supporters and appreciating why they chose a particular piece.
With all four Associate members gaining full membership, their work was powerful and cohesive. The standout piece for me was a self-portrait by Bing Shi, forming a wonderful wall of his portraits and landscapes. I’m looking forward to Bing demonstrating his emotive style soon.
With 16 of the 24 friends elected as Associate Members with such a wide range of styles and mediums, including sculpture and the beautiful sawdust-fired ceramics of Claire Seneviratne.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare for upcoming summer exhibitions, Art, in all its forms, reminds me to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most: empathy, expression, and the shared threads that run through all our creative work.
Here’s to growth, connection, and the creative momentum spring brings.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
https://weston-park.com/association-of-animal-artists/