Open Studios have finished for another year.

This year the heat radiated down reaching of around 30 degrees. Whew! Then there was the football and the tennis and for the last week, high winds and at times rain. So thank you to everyone who ventured out of their houses to see my work.

I love meeting old friends and new acquaintances at this yearly event, some who are from close by and some who have travelled quite a way to see my new work. This year, amongst the colourful detailed paintings including some based on my research into the medieval art of centuries ago, I included my sketch books of urban drawings. I have been to many places in Cambridge and beyond with one of my Winsor and Newton sketch books and sat and drawn what I see. When I draw like this I get totally oblivious to what is going on around me so it was a great surprise when I finished my drawing one day to find people behind me watching my progress.

I displayed a variety of paintings, prints and cards this year. The images above of are two of the large oil paintings that I sold. A big thank you to everyone who bought something and I hope they give you lots of joy.

For the last session with my Thursday Art Group we went to the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Cambridge to draw from our surroundings. We met for a quick lunch before finding places to sketch. My spot was slap, bang in front of the glorious glass houses. I love the architecture of these old buildings and the Cambridge examples are beautifully symmetrical.

How to draw all those straight lines? It takes a lot of looking and a steady hand. I couldn't believe how time flew by and soon I had to find my students. Although their aim was to draw in the glass houses themselves they couldn't find anywhere to sit so I tracked them down by the lake.

I am not sure I did much teaching but it was a wonderful afternoon out sketching.

The first week of Cambridge Open Studios has passed.

Many thanks to those who visited me last weekend in searing heat (29 degrees) and even when the England football team were playing their quarter final in the World Cup. Fantastic. My visitors make the annual clearing up and polishing worthwhile. I have a wide range of paintings, urban sketches and mono prints with loads of stories to tell.

The medieval rabbit pictured above is based on the gorgeous drawings found in the margins of old medieval manuscripts. It is a collage I made alongside my students - the theme is free in those sessions so beside me there were collages being created of Canadian mountains, American snow scenes, an inspiration from Cezanne and a Green Man. There is certainly diversity in my classes!

The other image above is a painting I sold some time ago although I still have a couple of prints. I think this is one of the best views of Cambridge and I don't think many of our Cambridge Tourists have ever seen it. Maybe I shall paint it again?

I am looking forward to this weekend when I shall be open again and I shall be interviewed on the radio. Gosh, just talking about it makes me nervous.

Cambridge Open Studios starts on 7 July this year as this is the first full weekend in July.

My studio will be open on July 7 & 8. July 14 & 15 and July 21 & 22 from 11am to 6pm. I love open studios, I love welcoming complete strangers who have seen my work online, in the guide or at Byard Art and want to find out more. It gives me a chance to chat about my work and maybe even pick up a few commissions.

For the third year running I shall be sharing my space with the fabulous glass artist, Maureen Charles - we call ourselves the Mo Show! There is one downside of sharing with Maureen and that is that I love her jewellery so much I end up buying lots of pieces - but I never regret it.

What to expect when you visit my studio?

I like to think we offer a warm welcome to my house full of art and glass. We can offer a cold drink, especially needed if the hot weather will continue or a hot drink. There is even a glass of wine on offer. I have a garden with lots of animals hidden for the children to find and colouring sheets.

Besides the artworks I have cards of my paintings, the Cambridge Art Book, limited edition prints and new this year some notebooks.

The easiest parking is just round the corner at Woodhead Drive but a bike can be left on my drive. We have a leaflet of all the local artists and when they are open so you can do a trail of the local studios if you like.

I look forward to meeting you at 309 Milton Road, CB4 1XQ