Sometimes you see inspiration in the most unlikely places. I have found that if something moves you and you are inspired by it, to strike while the iron is hot so to speak. This patch of early Snowdrops were just growing by the side of the road in our village. It was cold and crisp, and the thin February light was filtering through the trees. I made some quick notes, then went back to try out some interpretative ideas straight away. I am happy with it, as it expressed what I wanted to say. I have listed it under the flowers collection.

H Blyth & Co is my favourite art shop in Manchester. Art shops, and I mean GOOD Art shops, are a dying breed. Most art materials are bought online now, but nothing beats a store where the assistants really know their stuff. I go there whenever I can, and also to buy things that I would not buy online. For instance: brushes. Buying expensive watercolour brushes is not an online job, especially not for me. I bought my favourite, trusted and costly Kolinski Sable brushes there, where for example, they let me test them in water first, before purchasing them.

So aside from that personal help, a good art shop offers other links / info / networking etc, and is invaluable... so it is a case of use them or lose them.

Anyway, recently I was thrilled when they asked me to contribute an article for their blog, which has been published today! Liz Bolloten - Artist Feature