From childhood I always had an interest in flowers, gardens and the countryside and was lucky enough to grow up in the New Forest with horses to ride and surrounded by an abundance of flora and beautiful scenery. I spent much of my spare time drawing and painting so it was an easy decision to go to art school but open minded as to direction. 

Following a foundation course at Winchester School of Art I stayed to complete a BA in printed textile design and fashion in 1977. A small water colour painting of flowers lead to an unexpected opportunity to produce floral based designs and for over 40 years I have freelanced in the world of furnishing fabrics, bed linen, wall coverings and gift ware.

My agent, Jane Mosse, now does all the hard work selling in the textile world for me. Laura Ashley, Bedeck, Colefax and Fowler, Swaffer, SMD, M&S, Jane Churchill, Ashley Wilde, Clarke and Clarke and many more both in the UK and worldwide have bought and commissioned design work. As all designs are subject to copyright they are not shown here.

A move to Cornwall in 2001 to set up and run a small B&B (now closed) gave new opportunities and my love of plants put to good use taming the neglected garden. The flora in Cornwall is just spectacular, especially in the spring, and guests came to enjoy not only the beautiful coastal scenery but also the two subtropical gardens in my village stretching down to the Helford River.   

The Cornish coast and hedgerows,  rarely without colour, inspire both textile design and paintings as does my garden. B&B guests frequently bought floral artwork and cards but an unexpected request to paint a portrait of a family cat progressed to dogs as well. Houses, gardens and local scenes soon followed and a few more unusual subjects, tractors, lorries and teddies! 

Paintings of pets and houses are done to commission only. If it is not possible to meet the subject or visit in the case of house portraits I am usually able to work from good photographs. Pet portraits start from £120. All prices reflect artwork size and complexity with any travel/postage costs agreed at the outset. Finished artwork will be mounted but not framed.