Hello Friends!

I’ve been lucky enough to be a professional artist for over 20 years now, but something happened this month that was truly a first for me. One of my little friends was accepted into the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition!

The Summer Exhibition is the oldest open submission art show in the world, and has been held every year without a break for over 250 years, so I feel proud and lucky to be a part of it after many years of trying - not quite 250 I hasten to add!

A couple of weeks ago (wearing a brand new hat) I took the train down to London to attend Varnishing Day - the special artist’s preview before the exhibition opens to the public.

It’s a very grand affair, with artists from all over the world attending. There’s a parade through Piccadilly to a special service at St James’s church, follow by a champagne reception. I could get used to being treated that way.

Artists are pretty solitary creatures, so it was nice to get out of my studio and see all the amazing work of my fellow exhibitors.

The icing on the cupcake for me was there’s even a postcard of my painting for sale in the RA shop - so my little cat is really getting his moment in the spotlight! If you’re in London this summer - why not pop along to the exhibition and see if you can find my little friend. Please tag me in any pictures you take at the show too.

I’m back in the studio now, beavering away on new paintings - so I thought I’d share a couple of WIP pictures of the bears we met last month. They’ll be ready to be released into the wild soon!

See you next time ❤️

McFriendy Muses

Quote of the Month

“Dogs have owners, cats Have staff.”

-Anonymous