January

January is nearly out and two paintings hover on the brink of either being finished or totally reworked. One I thought was finished bothers me each day. There's something I need to do and it's so simple but I can't just see it.
Towards the end of the week it rained incessantly and I was caught in heavy storms walking to and from the studio. Even that couldn't dampen my spirits.
Thursday I met up with a painter friend in the coffee shop below the studio and we spent a couple of hours catching up. This coffee place could be a great escape from work (if I let it) with large leather settees and armchairs, morning newspapers and good coffee. I can imagine it being the first port of call on my way in each morning. For now, with not one painting finished, I have to put this on hold and get my head down and work.

First painting of 2012

It's always a relief to finish a painting after a period of inactivity. The trip back from France was closely followed by the search for the new studio. Then came the Christmas and New Year break in Germany. This meant that work had to be suspended for some time. Now I'm back, settled and working hard. I came back from the studio today very happy after completing the first painting of the year. When I go into the studio next the pressure won't be there.

My second week.

Work is slow as I get used to the routine of going to the new studio. I walk through the centre of Cardiff each day and that in itself feels strange; it's many years since I've worked here. The advantages of being in this studio are endless but I'm having to focus on work for the time being. I am setting aside all thoughts of decorating and furnishing my room. At present I exist with my easel, a table for my paints, a heater, a kettle and of course my radio. I've met some of my neighbours but all social activities are also on hold as I keep my head down to concentrate on work.

The red walls stay - for now!

I had my first day painting in the studio. The red will eventually go along with the shelves but for now I'm concentrating on work and the show at the Albany in April. It's a lovely studio and eventually it will look amazing but I have plenty of time in the Spring to transform it. For now
I'm going to enjoy the red!

Moving in.

I have the key. My easel and paints have been deposited along with all the essential things I need in the studio. These things sit in the middle of the room alongside two very large tins of paint. I come prepared for the job of turning dark red walls into white when suddenly I lose heart. It's going to take days and I want to get on with my work. I need a painter and decorator who will do it in a day so that's what I've decided to do. I'm sitting drinking tea contemplating the room. It will be good, I just need to have a little more patience!