My good intentions to write a few lines once a month are scuppered.... just been busy. Yesterday I visited the Patchings Festival. We got there almost bang on opening time, amazed to find about 8 coaches already in the car park! I managed a few words with Haidee-Jo Summers, Carole Baker and Vivienne Cawson, all had stands and work on the go. I saw David Curtis, also working, and his portrait of Sally Bulgin done the day before was on display. A demo by Fiona Peart was so well attended that the audience extended outside the marquee...and this year I even caught a glimpse of Terry! I enjoyed both 'The Artist' and 'Leisure Painter' exhibitions, bought some brushes from Rosemary, and a couple of hats from my favourite hat stall, Peak and Brim in the craft marquee. Didn't make the RA again this year, but my submission was accepted for the Not the Royal Academy, Salon des refuses at the Llewellyn Alexander gallery which opens tomorrow. You can see some of the works available on their website. I'm off to see the RA summer exhibition this week, can't wait to see POL Lesley Birch's accepted work in person! Hot off the press.... after a successful first exhibition at the Bristol AAF, one of the galleries that shows my work has taken stands at both the Buy Art Fair in Manchester, September, and The Edinburgh Art Fair in November. I've been asked for new work for both.... so no peace for the wicked this summer!