One of my favourite subjects to paint are buildings. Living in Cambridge I am spoilt for choice so when I was asked by Lux Gallery in Birmingham to provide some work I wanted to paint some of the buildings there too.

I have always loved Bournville Village. When the chocolatiers open their Bournville Chocolate factory they built some really beautiful houses for their workers which have certainly stood the test of time and are rented out under strict conditions so they keep their original feel.

One of the loveliest buildings is the Rest House, perched on a hill in the centre of the village green close to a parade of lovely timber framed shops. It was built in 1914 to commemorate the silver wedding of Mr and Mrs Cadbury. It has become my first subject in hopefully a long line of iconic paintings of Birmingham.

I have included one of the photos I took for my preparation so you can see how my paintings develop and become more magical as I work.

One of the things I love about being an artist is that I get to take part in Open Studio events.

For 16 years I have exhibited at my home in Cambridge for two or three weekends during July. I even took part during the pandemic when I set out a stall and a gazebo in my front garden. I love meeting people, talking about my work, having a chat with a complete stranger about everything under the sun and feeling a thrill every time I sell something regardless of whether it is a card or a large oil painting.

This year I am really pleased that I shall also be taking part in Birmingham Open Studios - with my photographer son, Owen de Visser. I am so proud of my son who actually set up and runs Birmingham Open Studios based loosely on the Cambridge model. And it means I can get to do Open Studios in another city, with more people to chat to.

I shared a studio with Owen once before at his house in Stirchley but this year I am taking part at the brand new Lux Gallery and Photographic Studio in Edgbaston. I find this so exciting!

If you find yourself in or near Birmingham this weekend 25/26 September do come and have a look. Also showing his work as part of Open Studios is amazing jeweller, Glen Campbell. Plus, there are many paintings by both local, and not so local, artists on the gallery walls. And there are cards and prints and some very beautiful ceramics and jewellery.

The gallery is in the heart of the beautifully restored Edgbaston Village and full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. No doubt I shall be tempted to pop along to Loki Wine Bar a few doors away to sample some glorious wines!

Lux Gallery, 13 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AU

The gallery is open Monday 10am - 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm

luxgallery.co.uk