a blooming exhibition

"to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow" audrey hepburn

Each year begins with a blank canvas, the garden withdrawn and wintering. With the first brave daffodils of spring, and the blossoms as a tree begins, hope and joy return to the palette

Sowing seeds, growing ideas, waking up to check seedlings on the windowsills, noticing tight buds that have opened to bloom... Combining observation with imagination to paint scenes populated by birds, bringing life and character to the canvas

This latest collection showcases garden plants and feathered visitors, extending to the wildlife and nature nearby. Looking up to busy canopies, capturing long moments gazing skywards and listening to birdsong. Working up close to the canvas is absorbing and meditative, retreating into the calm of a studio to build shapes and patterns, while watching the hollyhocks rise and dance outside

bloom - wynd gallery, letchworth - 6-14 june 2026

Sharing the space, and inspiration, with Claire and Lucy, with different approaches but similar motivations, we bring paintings, ceramics and textiles from our gardens to the gallery

Claire Pringle uses porcelain to take delicate fossil-like impressions of wild plants

Lucy Sugden's textiles and woven work studies the ecology of flowers and moths