Every July I take part in Cambridge Open Studios. Over the years I have met hundreds of people, many returning time and time again. We talk about my paintings and I sell some and I often get regular orders for greeting cards and sometimes a commission. I also talk about my art classes; a course of 10 sessions in my studio led by the interests of the group and occasionally I get asked to do something very special.

Theresa has regularly visited and bought cards and wanted to make a set of planets for her nephew and booked 2 sessions with me. She had ordered polystyrene balls in appropriate sizes and the first session was covering these in mod roc (plaster on a gauze which when wet is very pliable and can be moulded into any shape) with her mum. Here the white planets are sitting in my studio drying and afterwards packed up in a box for the next session when the planets will be painted. Such a lovely project - each even has its own hanger to decorate a room!

I am so excited to have a painting of the Leper Chapel - actually at the Leper Chapel. Opening night 12 May 5.30 -9.30. 13 & 14 May 10am - 5pm.

My painting is based on some of the medieval drawings found in manuscripts around the same time the chapel was built in c1135. I have always loved the old drawings made in these times especially in the Bestiaries. These were boos that have been described as 'a moralized Natural History illustrated with curious pictures'. There are indeed curious pictures and must have meant so much to god fearing people who learned the tales of of ancient, mystical creatures who tried to keep to the straight and narrow!

I have sketchbooks full of these magical creatures where griffins clutch pigs and lions bite monkeys, certainly scary stuff for those with a vivid imagination. I have chosen some of the 'nicer' depictions including a unicorn and a rabbit carrying a parrot, riding a dog.

My photographer son, Owen de Visser, has made a new photo of me!

It was such fun being in his studio and he really made me feel comfortable.

He lives in Birmingham and you can find him at Lux Gallery, https://luxgallery.co.uk/