Our Topsham Art Group summer exhibition opened on Saturday after an enjoyable preview evening the night before. I was flabbergasted to find that my watercolour of Connemara cottages won the Estuary Cup awarded to the work with greatest artistic merit. It was doubly pleasing that this year’s judge was David Norman who is a hugely respected professional watercolour painter. The painting, cup and citation are below . 
Yorkshire Dales
There are so many stunning locations for painting landscapes in the Dales. Here’s two paintings of the same location (near Thwaite in Swaledale ) in winter and autumn . Particularly interesting in this landscape are the stone barns in so many of the fields. Both are watercolours and painted as freely as I could. The greens ( by the way) are that bright in the sun. I got the very bright green by mixing Winsor Yellow with a touch of Winsor Blue (red shade). 
Inishbofin
Whilst in Connemara we went to the nearby island of Inishbofin for the day. Here are two recently finished paintings from sketches done on the spot (using a bamboo matchstick pen and watercolour). They show the ferry in the little harbour and the Church of St Colman. 
Five days in Connemara
If you’ve never been to the west coast of Ireland, do! It’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’ve had the great pleasure to stay for five days on the Renvyle Peninsular along the Wild Atlantic way; in the Renvyle House Hotel with John Hoar and 20 or so other artists. Here is a selection of paintings from the first few days. They are of the coastline around here, the little nearby village of Tully Cross with its church , Renvyle House itself with its palm trees and lovely grounds; and some rhododendrons (picked from the hedgerows) and chrysanthemums. 
Two more John Hoar studies
Had great fun painting these scenes from the west coast of Ireland. I’m hoping by familiarising myself with John’s technique, colours and tone that I’ll end up completing some decent paintings . These are of a country scene near Roundstone and Killybegs.
Wet day on the west coast
Here is a very quickly painted watercolour, based on the work of John Hoar, of a wet day on the west coast of Ireland. I shall be there at the end of May to paint for several days. Hoping for some lovely scenes to share with you. 
Recent paintings
I now go regularly, most Monday’s to paint with a group of artists in the Alphington Community Centre on the outskirts of Exeter. Here are two watercolours, Irish cottages and Alphington Church and an acrylic of a Topsham sunset. 
