Have you ever been to an 'Open Studio? A bit worried about going into strange people's houses? Concerned you might be coerced into buying something?

Forget all that! Artists that do Open Studios love to show off their art. They tidy their houses, make sure the washing up has been done and spend ages putting work on their walls or propping it up on tables.

Whether you buy anything or not, you will be welcomed and invited to look around. Many people also allow people to walk in their gardens.

My house is on Milton Road, a busy road in Cambridge. I have an A-board with yellow open studio posters tied to a tree amid the wild flower verge. Just come down the drive and into my house and on the way in say "Hi" to my patchwork cow.

Once inside we can chat ...or not, look around at my work and perhaps try your hand with adding some gold and silver leaf to a mini painting which you can take home with you FOR FREE.

The last weekend of Open Studios is 26/27 July or you can make an appointment to see my work at any time - lots of people do. You can also find out more about my classes.

One of the highlights of my year is Cambridge Open Studios.

I love it when visitors turn up at my door to look at my artwork and maybe have a go at using silver and copper leaf. I have taken part in Cambridge Open Studios (COS) every year for 14 years. 14 YEARS - I can't believe that but I still love it as much as the first time and I still leave all the preparations until the last minute!

What is Open Studios? it is when artists get together and open their studios over a period of time. The Cambridge event takes place over 4 weekends in July, I don't usually do all 4 as I like to look at some of the other studios to see what is happening near me.

This year I have several new paintings, giclee prints and lots of new designs for my greeting cards. I will have a painting on the go for those quiet times but I do love meeting my visitors and talking about my work, how I paint and why I do it.

If you are in Cambridge during 5/6, 12/13 and 26/27 July do come and visit. There are several other artists around and we have a trail so you can visit a few in an afternoon.

Every open studio opens and closes at the same time 10am to 5pm but not all artists are open every weekend. here is a link to the online site: https://camopenstudios.org/ and a link to the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cambridge-open-studios-2025/id1251645478