Coronavirus wasn't something I planned for.

Originally it seemed far away on the other side of the world but it has gradually been creeping nearer. Our government seemed to think we would not be affected like the rest of the world, that obviously is not the case. We all feel for those paramedics, doctors and nurses in the front line - indeed my daughter works for the ambulance service dealing with the ill and infirm - but it affects us all.

So how are the artists' faring?

Last week my first shared exhibition of the year, Cambridge Drawing Society Annual Show, was cancelled. Quite rightly as many of the contributors are older and they volunteer to man the show, deal with customers, take the money and they should not be put in situations where they might catch the virus.

At the weekend the Tithe Barn Art Exhibition was cancelled. That was a great shame as the Friends of the Tithe Barn had worked tirelessly to raise money to restore the barn which was erected around 500 years ago - it's older than America! The barn is very close to my heart as I would be showing a lot of my drawings and paintings from old manuscripts. The exhibition along with a farmers' market would have been the first events they had staged, unfortunately Covid-19, too small to see put a stop ti that.

Yesterday Cambridge Open Studios cancelled for this July. Cambridge was the first to think up open studios and they have not missed a year since setting up in 1974. I love meeting people interested in art who have taken time to come and see me. I talk about my work and hear what people think and hence my work progresses.

That is all my regular outlets cancelled but one, Byard Art, who are still there on King's Parade. But as more people become ill or self isolate, independent shops find it more and more difficult. I love this gallery and they are trying their hardest to show our work online so people can view artworks from their own homes. They are now offering complimentary delivery for all local orders, and delivery to London for anything over £300.

So artists have been hit pretty badly by the current situation but I have to stay positive as I have more time to paint and I can see more time can be spent aiming for the perfect painting.

Please continue to support artists' while the coronavirus continues.