March news: longlisted for a prize and opening my studio…

If you’re in the UK and anything like me, no doubt you’ll have breathed a sigh of relief recently as the sun shone and spring finally feels like it (might be?!) here. I caught a beautiful sunset at the beach which is giving me some ideas for some new paintings…

Sunset from Brighton Pier overlooking the West Pier, March 2026

In the meantime, I have two pieces of exciting news!

Firstly, I’ve been longlisted for the Jackson’s Art Prize. This is an international art competition which this year received a record 16,280 entries from 110 countries. My painting ‘The Hills Glowed’ was one of 4,200 artworks to make it to the extended longlist. I’m totally thrilled to have been recognised by such a prestigious prize. 

‘The Hills Glowed’ - Acrylic on wooden panel, 45cm x 45cm

Secondly, last month I decided to take the leap and register for Artists Open Houses in Brighton. It’s an annual festival of art where artists across the city open up their homes and studios to share their work. It’s a real pinch-me moment because I’ve been visiting Artists Open Houses ever since I was a teenager - following a trail, soaking up art and eating cake is one of my favourite annual rituals. So I’m extremely excited to be one of the houses myself! I’ll be joined by two brilliant artist friends, Ailsa McWhinnie and Julian Stevens. We’ll be open for the first four weekends in May (yes, May really does have five weekends this year!) and I’ll share more info soon but for now put the dates in your diary, I’d love to see you!

Finally, if you missed out on my recent Landscape Artist Of The Year painting, I have some gorgeous fine art prints available online. Check them out here. 

‘These Are The Days’ - Acrylic on wood panel, painted during Landscape Artist Of The Year 2026