I'm keeping busy for 2026! I enjoyed the ‘Urban Sketch’ exhibition at the Art Department in Paisley in May, especially the sketching workshops I led, with really lovely bunches of people, and hope to lead some more workshops for the Art Dept later in the year.
You can find me at the Pyramid at Anderston's first ever Design Market on 4 July, with lots of new prints, cards and a few small originals. I'll also be bringing along the first of this year's 100 Days Project Scotland pieces and some sketchbooks too, so plenty to see, and lots of other fabulous artists and makers too. Hope to see you there.
I was part of Firefly Gallery's Spring Show in Bo'ness and sold both the small paintings I had submitted, so I have hopes for the two currently in their Summer Show too – it's on until the 18th July if you're in the area. I also sold both the works I had entered into the Paisley Art Institute annual show at Glasgow Art Club in April/May, so 2026 has definitely got off to a good start.
On top of that I have two framed pen and wash urban sketches of Rutherglen Main Street in the open exhibition in Rutherglen Town Hall, running until 6th August, and of course it will be the Big Art Show in Paisley again in August – so I'm finding lots of opportunities to show new work.
Commissions have been keeping me busy too – wedding gifts (the traditional first wedding anniversary is paper, just saying...) and a commission for Ho Lee Fook in the Barras, which with my well-known Barrowland Ballroom obsession, was just my dream job.
I've also been organising a couple of events each month for Glasgow Urban Sketchers and the group is continuing to grow – join our Facebook group 'Glasgow Urban Sketchers' or follow us on Instagram @glasgowurbansketchers for news of latest events.
And for lovers of a good breakfast or brunch and a damn fine coffee, there’s always new originals and prints appearing on the wall at Tibo Bistro on Duke Street. Thanks as always to Usman, Angus, Douglas and all the staff there for the bacon rolls and continuing support.