G'day Alan yes I live in Perth Western Australia and know Kevin Bloody Wilson's 'work' he's a scream really but for me it's Billy Connelly one look ate his face and i'm lost...sheds are a very real thing here in Oz hubbies can dissapear into them for hours in fact when we moved into this house the shed was erected next day...items dissapear in there never to be found again...i'm not Australian i'm actually a Belfast girl who moved to the Wirral when I was 16 and moved to Oz in 1971...it's really nice to talk to people in old Blighty I love the English language and especially Phil's turn of phrase really makes me laugh...funny I still get homesick after all these years...as yet I don't have a gallery I have only recently started painting again after 20 odd years...I did some units towards a diploma in the 80's but had a daughter so I gave it up...I only have 4 pieces left from that time so I am at the moment working from how to books for acrylics...I had never used them before ...I have completed 2 exercises one of which my daughter snaffled and the other painted for my husband which he promptly hung so I was quite proud...I know on good authority that said daughter has bought me a digital camera for xmas so I will post old and new but cite the books I used...I will also be able to get out and photograph some images to paint...plein air is a no no for me stay out of the sun and flies..red hair and pale skin...i'm a vampire really come awake at night...well merry xmas again good to hear from you

Hi Alan wonderful nude I will definitely catch up with your web site being a woman havn't got a shed to hide my studio is my lazy boy with all my stuff around me and the family in bed peace perfect peace...happy Christmas and New Year

Have had a look. If the landscapes to come are as good as your nudes, it will be a treat ! Very beautiful work Alan.

And it was very good too...well done.

PS I have a website www.alanstevens.org.uk please feel free to have a mooch around.

Thanks for the welcome Phil and for your comments over the past year or so. It's good to put a face to the name. Beatrice: This is my favourite drawing. It is of my daughter in law (as are a lot of my other drawings). It 's on my lounge wall and my 'business' card I like it so much. In fact after finishing it I didn't draw for weeks. I felt satisfied - weird. Diana: I worked in Whitby for a while last year and went across the North York Moors to the Office and back in all weathers. If that's not inspiring I don't know what is! I stepped back into my chalk comfort zone for a new model at the start of the month and will have another new model in early January, but my present passion is painting. I am determined to get there! Drawing and painting are acquired skills. Practice, practice, practice.

Super location to live; lucky you. My gran came from Driffield and we spent every holiday in Brid and along the coast.

I love this picture. What master piece this is !

And welcome too Alan...My Studio is a one person day-care centre...