The Path Ahead: Finding Peace in Every Brushstroke

There is a distinct shift in the air this month. As the light stretches further every evening, I find my own energy shifting into a season of momentum and movement.

I’ve been spending some time lately away from the studio, out in the landscapes that sustain me. People often ask me where a painting begins, and the truth is, it starts long before I pick up a brush. It starts with a feeling, the way grass moves with the wind or the soft blue of the hills at dusk.

This year, I want to invite you into that process more deeply than ever before.

Why I Paint (And Why I Hope You’ll Join Me)

I’ve decided to share more of my world with you over the coming months. Not to show you how a painting is made, but to share why I do it.

For me, painting is a way to process the world, a way to find calm in the chaos. When I’m painting in my studio, I’m searching for a feeling of peace that I can eventually hand over to you. I want my artwork to be a place where you can rest your eyes and take a deep breath when the world outside feels too loud.

Slow Sundays & Quiet Moments

As part of this sharing I’m starting something new called Slow Sundays.

Every Sunday on social media, I’ll be sharing a short, meditative video of quiet painting, perhaps the simple blending of inks or the soft flow of water across the page. There won't be any "how-to" lectures; just relaxing music and the simple joy of colour moving. I hope it becomes a small sanctuary for you at the end of your week.

see the first slow Sunday video  here

The 2026 Calendar

While the "why" is the heart of my work, the "where" is just as exciting! I have a busy year of exhibitions ahead, and I would love to see you at one of them:

• Ongoing: My current exhibition in Mossley Mill is coming to a close on the 5th March – only a few days left to visit
• April: I’ll be returning to The Engine Room Gallery in Belfast with a wonderful group of fellow artists from across Ireland.
• June: We’ll be taking that same group show down to the beautiful landscapes of Wexford.
• October: I have a very special show planned with two other artists. I’m keeping the details a little quiet for now, but I can’t wait to reveal more later this year.

Embracing the "Messy Middle"

Finally, I’m currently experimenting with new techniques, stepping outside my comfort zone and, quite honestly, being willing to fail.

Growth only happens when we are brave enough to be "not very good" at something for a while! I hope that by watching me try (and occasionally stumble), you’ll feel encouraged to step into your own "uncomfortable" growth this year, whatever that looks like for you.

I’ll be sharing video from my latest inspiration trips to the mountains and beaches of County Down very soon. In the meantime, tell me: what is one way you are stepping outside your comfort zone this March?

If you enjoyed this week’s moment of stillness, you will find that same sense of calm in my latest canvas prints.