Perhaps only a seedling when the Bronte sisters wandered their local moorland, ‘Haworth Moor Sycamore’ depics a rare lone specimen near Bronte falls on a misty day. 40×30″

So much for looking forward to the start of the second year of The Bingley Gallery under my own management. The impact of Covid-19, has so worrying that it’s hard to find any positives. I should, however, first thank all our followers for the support and encouragement during the past year and at this time. Particularly, for Amy for her work in the shop and Jane for her continued input.

The gallery has now been closed to visitors for nearly a month. Virtually none of the artists have suggested taking their work away and, when I visit, behind the shutters I find myself surrounded by beautiful art. This includes everything in the last exhibition ‘Watercolours’ (Thanks Kate Lycett, Carole Gaunt, Jane Fielder, Rob Thomson, Stella Verity and Helen Shearwood) Thankfully, the internet does off

Wharfdale Ash (ds584) 24×30″ £420

er a way forward. One of my priorities has been to at least boost the gallery’s web site, adding in virtual ‘walk-through’ tours so you can at least ‘visit’ and, if tempted, there should increasingly be decent photos of individual works, together with details of the art, artist and prices. Who knows, for those who still have a protected income, an artwork may take the place of a treat meal out or trip to the theatre on special occasions, not to mention holidays. At the same time as enhancing your (by now too familiar?) home surroundings, you’ll be supporting local artists who, being self-employed may have few other means of protecting their income. Online sales of art won’t be run through a whizzy e-shop, instead I’ll be contactable by email or telephone to talk through the best and safest way to make the transaction and, very importantly, the precautions required to safely d

Misty Wood Meadow (ds586) 40×16 £420

eliver work. The process of photographing and loading all work to the website this will take quite some time, so do be patient. My son Jonathan has also put some of the ‘merchandise, such as mugs on ebay.

Other aspects of my work as an artist, have also been curtailed. One of the fun bits was doing demos for art clubs but, given the age of many of their members, this was one of the first activities to close down. As a means of helping them to develop their hobby I filmed the first of what I hope will be a series of video demos and have put these on YouTube so that any artists can access it. It has now been viewed over 300 times and fofootage of my second one is being edited. I do hope that some viewers will also experiment with my oil and palette knife technique and will send me an image of their version for feedback.

Perhaps the other positive is that as things got quieter, I’ve had more opportunity to paint. Not long ago I had a delivery of extra-large canvasses and a 60 by 30 inch bluebell wood has just been completed. There’s some even longer but narrow ones also, which should be interesting.  I just hope that access to the outdoors isn’t restricted. At least for the moment I’m able to walk through the local Hirst Wood on my way to the gallery or follow the Leeds Liverpool Canal or (much quieter) River Aire (5 Roe deer one day, a fox on another!). All inspirational for my painting.

‘Ash Tree on the River Wharfe’ (ds585) 12×9.5″ £120

Amy won’t be at the gallery but will, instead, be based at home working on commissions, either from me or directly from other people. If you’re a fan of her detailed hyperealist style, then she has the happy ability to paint pretty much anything from a photo. I’m a little more restricted in my output (no people or animals) but still enjoy a challenge, so if you’ve ever thought about converting that snapshot to an original masterpiece, then now’s the time. We’d both be happy to keep you up to date with regular images of progress.

Do keep safe  and happy