It’s always stimulating to engage with other artists, groups and workshops and  to visit exhibitions and galleries. There are times when working in isolation gives you the freedom to be more creative and take risks with out the pressure of an audience. At other times it can be inspiring to see how other artists may interpret and respond to the same subject - working from the same subject. My first dandelion painting started from the challenge to envisage half and half at a local art group. Some painted half full wine glasses , some bottles, sunsets or sunrise with the sun half risen or half set. Seeing the half spent seed head of a dandelion clock on the lawn took me down a different and unexpected route.  I was inspired by the shape, texture and colours in the landscape and the way the light illuminated the structure of the parachute. It resulted in whole series of close up angles and detailed examination of the individual structure ready for dispersal in different settings and colours at different times of day or night Then the fun can begin! Once you have confidently worked out the composition, structure or texture of a plant it is interesting to refine each shape and form in each fresh version. Its also an interesting exercise to then translate what you have learnt in another medium – or mixed media. These are some of the topics explored and taught during the short courses I run each summer - see the ArtPhoto webite for …

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