There were people up here on the weekend, in fact quite a few people – for on Saturday I had my first ever Open Studio for the neighbours. It was a great dry-run for my exhibition next year. Sorting through my traditional paintings, swapping frames, hanging, working out prices… Don’t worry, my animal series wasn’t for sale – all of those bears and rabbits, dogs and cats, lions in smoking jackets and their friends are still safely prowling the studio awaiting their own opening.

Other than that – the Maker’s Market on Sunday was lovely and I’m really enjoying our new digs. The light and space is great. The Convent is gorgeous right now – the gardens are still green, the new gallery and shop are open (fantastic renovation of our old room) and there’s a cute new little Japanese restaurant that’s opened up between the Bakery bar and Lentils. Mmm.

So today… John Lee Hooker, some sweet jazz to follow, and three canvasses on the go (the tiger, the rabbit and the dog cafe scene). It’s one of the days when my work just doesn’t sound like work. You know? About time!

They’re everywhere through my drawings.

So I was really happy to find this beautiful wooden rabbit… I was planning to name it but the funny thing is that when viewed from different sides it takes on very different characters. One name just won’t capture it. So I’ve decided to name each side differently.

Please meet the Resolute Rabbit.

This is the stern side which makes me feel guilty if I’ve let my mind wander too far off my work. I place it in front of me when I need to keep my concentration…