June 2011 Wednesday 1.6.11 Spent day dealing with correspondence, paying bills etc. and contemplating the two commissions that I am about to recommence. Thursday 2.6.11 Spend day on Peters painting. In bed by 12.30... Friday 3.6.11 .....but up at 5.40 to prepare to go to the Bishop’s Breakfast. I’m lucky today as it’s being hosted by Edward at the Racecourse where on this beautiful sunny morning it enhances the stunning panoramic view from the fifth floor. The breakfast too is just right, first time I’ve been to one where blueberries have been served and other exotic fruits. But then the Racecourse does excel at catering. This morning's presentation is from Andrew North, CEO of Cheltenham Borough Council; amongst the new developments he proudly also shows the designs for the new Museum which I’m sure is going to greatly uplift Cheltenham’s profile. Next it’s Donna Rennay CEO of Cheltenham Festivals turn to tell us about the improved tented facilities there will be in Imperial Gardens, how the Council have generously allowed them to put tents over flower beds. Finally Edward talks about the new developments at the Racecourse and the extended link up with the railway which will give more ease of access to the Racecourse as well as being a delightful way to travel by steam engine. A 200 bed hotel and there are still ongoing plans and discussions to include Cheltenham’s football ground within the Racecourse campus. Interesting conversation about train services to London and Bristol etc. I mention the Oxford Tube ( coach service ) as being a good facility if you can park which we couldn’t on the Wednesday before last. Back home to prepare my speech for opening Cheltenham Open Studios this evening. But we go first to the University and are so captivated by some of the works in the degree show that we have just missed Ben’s speech ( to the Alumni ), he tells us, when we meet him on the stairs. I thank him again for agreeing to be our speaker at the Friends AGM here next week along with Nick Sergeant, head of Fine Art and photography. At the top we are greeted by Kelly who had been e mailing me about the event. She points out my badge and offers us a drink whilst I’m talking to her the photographer comes over and starts to pose Richard who studied at Winchester but I say he’s a bit like an honorary alumni as he knows and remembers so much about the campus through the stories I have told him and got to know all those who taught me there. Then meet Helen the head of alumni relations who’d been so charming and hospitable when I was there in November to receive my honorary Doctorate. I tell her about the horse project and how the University are sponsoring two and allowing one of those to be auctioned for the National Star College, she thinks it would make a good publicity story. Meet a couple of more recent graduates although no-one from my time. Then down to have proper look at the degree show. Some huge and stunning pieces in the Summerfield Gallery, an interesting caravan installation outside with cushions that spilled out onto the ground with Beach Boys music emanating from within. Some interesting painting, though comment to Bob Davison that it was interesting that the Echo had used the work of and photographed only students who were female; he explains that it was because the painting group was made up of all women. So I mused whether boys were more attracted to creativity that involved technology. Some beautiful photographs by a student called Vessy who Sue Bezani at the Star College mentioned to me as she had photographed a lot of the Star students. Bump into Anthony Maclaren who comments favourably on the fact that the presentation at the Bishop’s Breakfast this morning was on Cheltenham. Quick trip through advertising and music before having to make our exit to get to Christ Church in time to look at the work there before launching the Cheltenham Open Studios 2011 event. Again I’m quite overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm that has gone into the exciting work on display here. COS have given the region this wonderful celebration of creativity and there are venues stretching as far as Stow, Blockley, Tewkesbury, Winchcombe, Little Buckland Gallery at Broadway, too many to mention all but includes Glenfall Primary School, the University’s Pittville Studios, the National Star College (of which I am a Patron) and where I have had the privilege of being invited to exhibit alongside students and staff this year. This collective of artists made up of both groups and individuals gets little funding from other sources, are hugely generous of spirit and have each created tiny masterpieces for not much more than a cup of coffee, for £5 you can acquire a little work of art. We come away with five but want to get more. I’m hugely impressed by the quality breadth and depth of the work. Many of these artists are highly qualified and I’m touched and honoured to have been asked to be their Patron; they so generously support one another and take pleasure in their achievements. Saturday 4.6.11 I ask Richard to go and look at the work of the artists at St Lukes and also buy me some more of the mini masterpieces. We now have ten. This event goes on until sunday 12th. Further information can be found on their website. Whilst I continue to devote all enegy on the Cottingham commission which is becoming a very exciting project. Sunday 5.6.11 Visit from Doctors Charles and Emma Slosberg with their two beautiful children Dan and Suzanna. Then back to on the studio to work on Peter’s painting. Monday 6.6.11 Working on Peters commission. Tuesday 7.6.11 Go to the University for Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum’s 27th AGM. In my opening I congratulate the Museum and its staff for securing the Heritage Lottery Funding and also give a verbal pat on the back to Cheltenham Borough Council for their support plus the Summerfield Trust and the Friends and committee for all their hard work and fund-raising towards the new architectural development. The meeting runs smoothly with reports from Gina our charming chairman, Andrew Ellis the dedicated treasurer who is standing down, Richard Smith the highly efficient secretary who after 7 years is also wanting to stand down, likewise Anne Tilley who has delightfully organised many very successful lunchtime lectures and the wonderful Jenny Ogle who with Douglas has taken the Friends on many splendid cultural visits, trips and tours. Then its time for our two speakers, Dr Ben Calvert Dean of campus and Nick Seargent head of Fine Art and Photography who I’d asked to come and talk to us about the big move to three other campuses from Pittville as I know there has been sadness amongst many at the losing of this campus and its beautiful Summerfield Gallery. But one of the upsides is that they will be helping financially towards the Museum’s new gallery and will be sharing in many exhibitions and events. which has to be good for both the museum and the University. Wednesday 8.6.11 Working on Peters commission. Thursday 9.6.11 Ditto Friday 10.6.11 The Echo photographer is arriving at 1 pm but a reporter rings at about a quarter to just as we’re trying to send images off to Paris as one of the French newspaper’ magazines is doing an article and reproducing three of the works. The very nice photographer, Suan, is still taking photographs when Emily the reporter phones again. She’s very patient and rings back a third time just as we are about to set out for the University, so I am a little late in arriving. Sophia and the young German student doing work experience are sitting with Jill, head of the University’s marketing and design. A delightful person who is generously allowing me to create the painting on the horses in whichever way I think best and is very perceptive to what I had tried to achieve on the horse in my Paris exhibition when Sophia shows her photographs. I thank her for saying one of the two horses the University is sponsoring can be auctioned for the National Star College and she enquires whether I would be happy for the second one to be auctioned for the Pied Piper Appeal; I’m delighted as this is another brilliant charity which helps sick children across Gloucestershire. We are well placed as we sit on small comfortable sofas in the beautiful large atrium to enjoy the three glorious Lyn Chadwick figures that stand next to us. Jill tells me they are very heavy. The meeting has been most enjoyable. We then walk into Cheltenham to the Arcade where Sophie and I have a meeting with the person in charge of the project there as they are also sponsoring a horse and had wanted some advice. Saturday 11.6.11 Miss a call, its from Ronald. The dear man’s spotted my name in the Birthday Honours list of MBEs and there are already congratulatory e mails form John Holroyd of the Bishop’s Breakfast group and Tony Crook of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire. R goes out and picks up an Echo (or 10) and very sweetly they have put me on the front page again. They are always so generous. Then a call from Sue Bezani head of photography at the Star College who actually lives in Monmouth; she says she saw the news in the Western Daily Press which also has a large photo of me. It’s very nice of her to phone - I also tell her how sorry I am that she will be leaving the Star College at the end of term; she’s been a brilliant teacher and achieved wonderful things with her students, several of whose progress we discuss as its nearing the time of the photography awards. Lovely e mails of congratulation keep coming in through the day.... Sunday 12.6.11 ...including from Robert and Toyah, Robert being in America will have seen it on the DGM site posted by Sid Smith and a lovely phone call from dear Margus of the North in Estonia. Another e mail from friends in Portugal whose daughter had held up the newspaper to show it to them on Skype. It’s very sweet that most people assume its for my charity work but the citation is actually says “for services to Art” which I have to admit is particularly meaningful and encouraging. I’m still busily employed working on Peter’s commission. Monday 13.6.11 Lots more lovely e congrats. Work long and late on the above. Send images to The Portico in Manchester for the Royal Society of Arts exhibition . Tuesday 14.6.11 Up early to commence on Peter’s painting after a quick check up at the dentist. I’m pleased as I manage to make good headway on the top and sides of the frame before Gill and my Mum arrive for lunch, (back from Bedford where G & H have had my Mum to stay for a week). I thank Gill again for the lovely white rose bush, champagne and chocolates that arrived yesterday. Three letters of congratulations in the post, one from Dame Janet Trotter the Lord Lieutenant beautifully hand written in black ink. Another from John Thurston the new Warden of the Honourable Company and the third also hand written from Graham and Eileen Lockwood. Spend rest of Afternoon finishing Peters commission. Richard tells me I must stop at 6.45 as we need to set out. It’s Beverly’s Birthday and this painting is Peter’s present to her I am very touched and pleased as peter is obviously moved and wipes his eye. He has been so trusting and allowed me to follow the muse. Although he did brief me on references he would like me to make. They spot some of them whilst we sip our champagne. We walk through Imperial Gardens, down the Promenade to Lumiers the restaurant for a celebration dinner. Beverly looks up with surprise when the wine waiter asks what we would like to drink? It’s Tom their lovely son who has travelled down from Birmingham where he is studying at the university, by train as a surprise. He’d been hiding in the kitchen. It’s a delightful evening amazing menu and meaningful company. Wednesday 15.6.11 Hand-written letter form Sir Henry Elwes. Lots of lovely cards and e messages have been coming too. Also notification from the Royal Academy to say that the Infant has sold. Thursday 16.6.11 Tarahhh!! three white horses have arrived and fill my downstairs studio in the house. Like my canvases I love them being white and want to contemplate them for a day of two before deciding how I am going to proceed with the painting. Its very exciting and as a little boy zooms past on his scooter he comes to an abrupt halt saying Wow! and I invite him over for a closer look. A little later a young woman with her son stops to admire them and tells me that they live in Lyn Horne’s old house; so I able to thank her for the lovely congratulations card that they had sent, generously saying they were fans of my work. I enquire if she is an artist too and she had studied illustration at Falmouth and is shortly going to be painting a mural on the fence of Woodmancote Primary School. Phone call from Caroline, journalist on the Echo, saying they would like to do another piece on me and my favourite paintings etc. The Culture Show on the Royal Academy’s Summer exhibition is broadcast this evening I always feel acutely embarrassed when I see and hear my self on television so am quite relieved that the interviews are short - it’s a strange sensation really. Friday 17.6.11 Set out early to travel over to the Forest of Dean for my first meeting as a trustee of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail trust. Its very beautiful as we are nearing Coleford with a lovely view of the river snaking across the landscape as the woodland grows denser we are amazed to see how far it appears to stretch. We’re in good time and as I enter I see Professor Andrew Stoner who had invited me to become a trustee and Nick Bury who I know from the Bishop’s Breakfast group, newly retired Dean of Gloucester Cathedral, who had instigated and helped organise the beautiful Crucible sculpture exhibition at the Cathedral last year. He is the other new trustee. Saturday 18.6.11 Beautiful bunch of cream coloured lilies delivered by Inter flora from Martin, Chris and Zac to go with the bottle of champagne that arrived from them yesterday. How kind people are. Quietish day working in studio on a smallish work started a couple of years ago, though contemplating the horses too. Sunday 19.6.11 Revolution has also sold in the Royal Academy. Day in studio. Monday 20.6.11 Phone call from Martin Kiszko who gave three performances of the Green Poems in London at the Green Awards and also recently played Sound beams at Queen Elizabeth Hall where he was introduced by Jarvis Cocker. He’s such a talented person Tuesday 21.6.11 Nice e mail from Ian sending congratulations from all at Gloucestershire Media, who have always been so generous in their coverage and support whatever the project I am working on. And still more cards. Particularly delighted to receive e mail from Edward saying horse number 7 had just strolled in and they are thrilled with how beautiful he is. Am also trying to finish off three of the four works for the Royal Society of Arts exhibition at Portico in Manchester that Richard had put me down for, in between looking at the horses. Wednesday 22.6.11 Bless the glorious Gloucestershire Echo for all the support and encouragement it gives me. Today a two page spread reproducing eight of the paintings, very nicely written by Caroline Fisher. Still receiving cards. Thursday 23.6.11 This morning a letter from Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport congratulating me on the MBE. and a lovely one from David CEO of the National Star College congratulating me on behalf of the staff and students and also saying ‘thank you for raising over £100,000..’ whoopeee! I knew it was getting close and have been struggling to get there so can’t believe I’ve actually tipped the scales. But of course it is very much thanks to all the artists who helped in the 2007 StarArt exhibition at the Gardens Gallery including Richard who has of course helped with it all having put up with my potty ideas of suddenly deciding to have an Open Studio within three weeks for the past couple of years. And of course all the dear friends and collectors who have come to buy the little works. And people like Robert Fripp who gave two performances last year during the music festival of which the festival also donated 60% of the profits and Gloucestershire College donated the venue and 60 of the tickets. Friday 24.6.11 As a director & trustee of the Artists Collecting Society, attend AGM in Notting Hill. All artists whose work comes up for resale should check it out. Glorious afternoon at Tate Britain. First the Vorticists oh that wonderful William Roberts! Then Water-colour, both superb. Saturday 25.6.11 Parcel from New York in today's post, its a copy of Lee’s book ‘Fabulous Finds’ which is both entertaining and informative. Lots of information on certification of paintings by deceased artists where they haven’t been included in a catalogue raisonée and the effects it has on value. And ‘stuff on the rich and famous’, her friendship with Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey, Joe Lieberman and Dr Ruth. A lot too on dear Stanley Herzman and how he came to visit me after seeing my work in the Royal Academy and asked her to represent me in the States. Also on his magnificent collection of ancient oriental porcelain the Stanley and Adele Herzman collection now forms a major part of the Metropolitan's holdings and with his first wife Gladys given to the Chicago Art Institute’s collection. Family friends, Stanley and Adele had both been widowed before they married. Sunday 26.6.11 Spend time answering questions for e interview with Georgiana Vaughan for ACS’s Newsletter; last months was with Christopher le Brun on the hanging of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Monday 27.6.11 E mail from Hugh saying that they have been planning a cover for Robert’s next recorded release of Orchestral soundscapes performed by the Amsterdam Metropole orchestra - have we a transparency of the Rood. Tuesday 28.6.11 It’s my birthday and Richard has cooked a warm prawn salad as Janet and Joyce have come for lunch; Joyce’s birthday having been in May and Janet’s in April so we try to do something to celebrate each year. We invite my Mum too. It’s always such a joy to catch up with them both. Phone calls in the evening first from Nathan and then from Henrietta who will coming up with the boys soon. Touching e mails from dear Margus in Estonia and Rick in St Augustine. R as usual has made me a very beautiful birthday card. Up rather late Wednesday 29.6.11 Write cheques for the GC art student prizes E mail from Gill at the Star College - we are delighted to see that most of the guests can come to the opening of the new Creative Arts Centre next week. Thursday 30.6.11 Statement from Bridgeman Art Library

June 2011

Wednesday 1.6.11

Spent day dealing with correspondence, paying bills etc. and contemplating the two commissions that I am about to recommence.

Thursday 2.6.11

Spend day on Peters painting. In bed by 12.30...

Friday 3.6.11

.....but up at 5.40 to prepare to go to the Bishop’s Breakfast. I’m lucky today as it’s being hosted by Edward at the Racecourse where on this beautiful sunny morning it enhances the stunning panoramic view from the fifth floor. The breakfast too is just right, first time I’ve been to one where blueberries have been served and other exotic fruits. But then the Racecourse does excel at catering. This morning's presentation is from Andrew North, CEO of Cheltenham Borough Council; amongst the new developments he proudly also shows the designs for the new Museum which I’m sure is going to greatly uplift Cheltenham’s profile. Next it’s Donna Rennay CEO of Cheltenham Festivals turn to tell us about the improved tented facilities there will be in Imperial Gardens, how the Council have generously allowed them to put tents over flower beds. Finally Edward talks about the new developments at the Racecourse and the extended link up with the railway which will give more ease of access to the Racecourse as well as being a delightful way to travel by steam engine. A 200 bed hotel and there are still ongoing plans and discussions to include Cheltenham’s football ground within the Racecourse campus. Interesting conversation about train services to London and Bristol etc. I mention the Oxford Tube ( coach service ) as being a good facility if you can park which we couldn’t on the Wednesday before last.

Back home to prepare my speech for opening Cheltenham Open Studios this evening. But we go first to the University and are so captivated by some of the works in the degree show that we have just missed Ben’s speech ( to the Alumni ), he tells us, when we meet him on the stairs. I thank him again for agreeing to be our speaker at the Friends AGM here next week along with Nick Sergeant, head of Fine Art and photography. At the top we are greeted by Kelly who had been e mailing me about the event. She points out my badge and offers us a drink whilst I’m talking to her the photographer comes over and starts to pose Richard who studied at Winchester but I say he’s a bit like an honorary alumni as he knows and remembers so much about the campus through the stories I have told him and got to know all those who taught me there. Then meet Helen the head of alumni relations who’d been so charming and hospitable when I was there in November to receive my honorary Doctorate. I tell her about the horse project and how the University are sponsoring two and allowing one of those to be auctioned for the National Star College, she thinks it would make a good publicity story. Meet a couple of more recent graduates although no-one from my time.

Then down to have proper look at the degree show. Some huge and stunning pieces in the Summerfield Gallery, an interesting caravan installation outside with cushions that spilled out onto the ground with Beach Boys music emanating from within. Some interesting painting, though comment to Bob Davison that it was interesting that the Echo had used the work of and photographed only students who were female; he explains that it was because the painting group was made up of all women. So I mused whether boys were more attracted to creativity that involved technology. Some beautiful photographs by a student called Vessy who Sue Bezani at the Star College mentioned to me as she had photographed a lot of the Star students. Bump into Anthony Maclaren who comments favourably on the fact that the presentation at the Bishop’s Breakfast this morning was on Cheltenham. Quick trip through advertising and music before having to make our exit to get to Christ Church in time to look at the work there before launching the Cheltenham Open Studios 2011 event. Again I’m quite overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm that has gone into the exciting work on display here. COS have given the region this wonderful celebration of creativity and there are venues stretching as far as Stow, Blockley, Tewkesbury, Winchcombe, Little Buckland Gallery at Broadway, too many to mention all but includes Glenfall Primary School, the University’s Pittville Studios, the National Star College (of which I am a Patron) and where I have had the privilege of being invited to exhibit alongside students and staff this year. This collective of artists made up of both groups and individuals gets little funding from other sources, are hugely generous of spirit and have each created tiny masterpieces for not much more than a cup of coffee, for £5 you can acquire a little work of art. We come away with five but want to get more. I’m hugely impressed by the quality breadth and depth of the work. Many of these artists are highly qualified and I’m touched and honoured to have been asked to be their Patron; they so generously support one another and take pleasure in their achievements.

Saturday 4.6.11

I ask Richard to go and look at the work of the artists at St Lukes and also buy me some more of the mini masterpieces. We now have ten. This event goes on until sunday 12th. Further information can be found on their website. Whilst I continue to devote all enegy on the Cottingham commission which is becoming a very exciting project.

Sunday 5.6.11

Visit from Doctors Charles and Emma Slosberg with their two beautiful children Dan and Suzanna. Then back to on the studio to work on Peter’s painting.

Monday 6.6.11

Working on Peters commission.

Tuesday 7.6.11

Go to the University for Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum’s 27th AGM. In my opening I congratulate the Museum and its staff for securing the Heritage Lottery Funding and also give a verbal pat on the back to Cheltenham Borough Council for their support plus the Summerfield Trust and the Friends and committee for all their hard work and fund-raising towards the new architectural development. The meeting runs smoothly with reports from Gina our charming chairman, Andrew Ellis the dedicated treasurer who is standing down, Richard Smith the highly efficient secretary who after 7 years is also wanting to stand down, likewise Anne Tilley who has delightfully organised many very successful lunchtime lectures and the wonderful Jenny Ogle who with Douglas has taken the Friends on many splendid cultural visits, trips and tours.

Then its time for our two speakers, Dr Ben Calvert Dean of campus and Nick Seargent head of Fine Art and Photography who I’d asked to come and talk to us about the big move to three other campuses from Pittville as I know there has been sadness amongst many at the losing of this campus and its beautiful Summerfield Gallery. But one of the upsides is that they will be helping financially towards the Museum’s new gallery and will be sharing in many exhibitions and events. which has to be good for both the museum and the University.

Wednesday 8.6.11

Working on Peters commission.

Thursday 9.6.11

Ditto

Friday 10.6.11

The Echo photographer is arriving at 1 pm but a reporter rings at about a quarter to just as we’re trying to send images off to Paris as one of the French newspaper’ magazines is doing an article and reproducing three of the works. The very nice photographer, Suan, is still taking photographs when Emily the reporter phones again. She’s very patient and rings back a third time just as we are about to set out for the University, so I am a little late in arriving. Sophia and the young German student doing work experience are sitting with Jill, head of the University’s marketing and design. A delightful person who is generously allowing me to create the painting on the horses in whichever way I think best and is very perceptive to what I had tried to achieve on the horse in my Paris exhibition when Sophia shows her photographs. I thank her for saying one of the two horses the University is sponsoring can be auctioned for the National Star College and she enquires whether I would be happy for the second one to be auctioned for the Pied Piper Appeal; I’m delighted as this is another brilliant charity which helps sick children across Gloucestershire. We are well placed as we sit on small comfortable sofas in the beautiful large atrium to enjoy the three glorious Lyn Chadwick figures that stand next to us. Jill tells me they are very heavy. The meeting has been most enjoyable. We then walk into Cheltenham to the Arcade where Sophie and I have a meeting with the person in charge of the project there as they are also sponsoring a horse and had wanted some advice.

Saturday 11.6.11

Miss a call, its from Ronald. The dear man’s spotted my name in the Birthday Honours list of MBEs and there are already congratulatory e mails form John Holroyd of the Bishop’s Breakfast group and Tony Crook of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire. R goes out and picks up an Echo (or 10) and very sweetly they have put me on the front page again. They are always so generous. Then a call from Sue Bezani head of photography at the Star College who actually lives in Monmouth; she says she saw the news in the Western Daily Press which also has a large photo of me. It’s very nice of her to phone - I also tell her how sorry I am that she will be leaving the Star College at the end of term; she’s been a brilliant teacher and achieved wonderful things with her students, several of whose progress we discuss as its nearing the time of the photography awards. Lovely e mails of congratulation keep coming in through the day....

Sunday 12.6.11

...including from Robert and Toyah, Robert being in America will have seen it on the DGM site posted by Sid Smith and a lovely phone call from dear Margus of the North in Estonia. Another e mail from friends in Portugal whose daughter had held up the newspaper to show it to them on Skype. It’s very sweet that most people assume its for my charity work but the citation is actually says “for services to Art” which I have to admit is particularly meaningful and encouraging.

I’m still busily employed working on Peter’s commission.

Monday 13.6.11

Lots more lovely e congrats. Work long and late on the above.

Send images to The Portico in Manchester for the Royal Society of Arts exhibition .

Tuesday 14.6.11

Up early to commence on Peter’s painting after a quick check up at the dentist. I’m pleased as I manage to make good headway on the top and sides of the frame before Gill and my Mum arrive for lunch, (back from Bedford where G & H have had my Mum to stay for a week). I thank Gill again for the lovely white rose bush, champagne and chocolates that arrived yesterday.

Three letters of congratulations in the post, one from Dame Janet Trotter the Lord Lieutenant beautifully hand written in black ink. Another from John Thurston the new Warden of the Honourable Company and the third also hand written from Graham and Eileen Lockwood. Spend rest of Afternoon finishing Peters commission. Richard tells me I must stop at 6.45 as we need to set out. It’s Beverly’s Birthday and this painting is Peter’s present to her I am very touched and pleased as peter is obviously moved and wipes his eye. He has been so trusting and allowed me to follow the muse. Although he did brief me on references he would like me to make. They spot some of them whilst we sip our champagne. We walk through Imperial Gardens, down the Promenade to Lumiers the restaurant for a celebration dinner. Beverly looks up with surprise when the wine waiter asks what we would like to drink? It’s Tom their lovely son who has travelled down from Birmingham where he is studying at the university, by train as a surprise. He’d been hiding in the kitchen. It’s a delightful evening amazing menu and meaningful company.

Wednesday 15.6.11

Hand-written letter form Sir Henry Elwes. Lots of lovely cards and e messages have been coming too. Also notification from the Royal Academy to say that the Infant has sold.

Thursday 16.6.11

Tarahhh!! three white horses have arrived and fill my downstairs studio in the house. Like my canvases I love them being white and want to contemplate them for a day of two before deciding how I am going to proceed with the painting. Its very exciting and as a little boy zooms past on his scooter he comes to an abrupt halt saying Wow! and I invite him over for a closer look. A little later a young woman with her son stops to admire them and tells me that they live in Lyn Horne’s old house; so I able to thank her for the lovely congratulations card that they had sent, generously saying they were fans of my work. I enquire if she is an artist too and she had studied illustration at Falmouth and is shortly going to be painting a mural on the fence of Woodmancote Primary School.

Phone call from Caroline, journalist on the Echo, saying they would like to do another piece on me and my favourite paintings etc. The Culture Show on the Royal Academy’s Summer exhibition is broadcast this evening I always feel acutely embarrassed when I see and hear my self on television so am quite relieved that the interviews are short - it’s a strange sensation really.

Friday 17.6.11

Set out early to travel over to the Forest of Dean for my first meeting as a trustee of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail trust. Its very beautiful as we are nearing Coleford with a lovely view of the river snaking across the landscape as the woodland grows denser we are amazed to see how far it appears to stretch. We’re in good time and as I enter I see Professor Andrew Stoner who had invited me to become a trustee and Nick Bury who I know from the Bishop’s Breakfast group, newly retired Dean of Gloucester Cathedral, who had instigated and helped organise the beautiful Crucible sculpture exhibition at the Cathedral last year. He is the other new trustee.

Saturday 18.6.11

Beautiful bunch of cream coloured lilies delivered by Inter flora from Martin, Chris and Zac to go with the bottle of champagne that arrived from them yesterday. How kind people are.

Quietish day working in studio on a smallish work started a couple of years ago, though contemplating the horses too.

Sunday 19.6.11

Revolution has also sold in the Royal Academy. Day in studio.

Monday 20.6.11

Phone call from Martin Kiszko who gave three performances of the Green Poems in London at the Green Awards and also recently played Sound beams at Queen Elizabeth Hall where he was introduced by Jarvis Cocker. He’s such a talented person

Tuesday 21.6.11

Nice e mail from Ian sending congratulations from all at Gloucestershire Media, who have always been so generous in their coverage and support whatever the project I am working on. And still more cards. Particularly delighted to receive e mail from Edward saying horse number 7 had just strolled in and they are thrilled with how beautiful he is.

Am also trying to finish off three of the four works for the Royal Society of Arts exhibition at Portico in Manchester that Richard had put me down for, in between looking at the horses.

Wednesday 22.6.11

Bless the glorious Gloucestershire Echo for all the support and encouragement it gives me. Today a two page spread reproducing eight of the paintings, very nicely written by Caroline Fisher. Still receiving cards.

Thursday 23.6.11

This morning a letter from Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport congratulating me on the MBE. and a lovely one from David CEO of the National Star College congratulating me on behalf of the staff and students and also saying ‘thank you for raising over £100,000..’ whoopeee! I knew it was getting close and have been struggling to get there so can’t believe I’ve actually tipped the scales. But of course it is very much thanks to all the artists who helped in the 2007 StarArt exhibition at the Gardens Gallery including Richard who has of course helped with it all having put up with my potty ideas of suddenly deciding to have an Open Studio within three weeks for the past couple of years. And of course all the dear friends and collectors who have come to buy the little works. And people like Robert Fripp who gave two performances last year during the music festival of which the festival also donated 60% of the profits and Gloucestershire College donated the venue and 60 of the tickets.

Friday 24.6.11

As a director & trustee of the Artists Collecting Society, attend AGM in Notting Hill. All artists whose work comes up for resale should check it out.

Glorious afternoon at Tate Britain. First the Vorticists oh that wonderful William Roberts! Then Water-colour, both superb.

Saturday 25.6.11

Parcel from New York in today's post, its a copy of Lee’s book ‘Fabulous Finds’ which is both entertaining and informative. Lots of information on certification of paintings by deceased artists where they haven’t been included in a catalogue raisonée and the effects it has on value. And ‘stuff on the rich and famous’, her friendship with Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey, Joe Lieberman and Dr Ruth. A lot too on dear Stanley Herzman and how he came to visit me after seeing my work in the Royal Academy and asked her to represent me in the States. Also on his magnificent collection of ancient oriental porcelain the Stanley and Adele Herzman collection now forms a major part of the Metropolitan's holdings and with his first wife Gladys given to the Chicago Art Institute’s collection. Family friends, Stanley and Adele had both been widowed before they married.

Sunday 26.6.11

Spend time answering questions for e interview with Georgiana Vaughan for ACS’s Newsletter; last months was with Christopher le Brun on the hanging of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Monday 27.6.11

E mail from Hugh saying that they have been planning a cover for Robert’s next recorded release of Orchestral soundscapes performed by the Amsterdam Metropole orchestra - have we a transparency of the Rood.

Tuesday 28.6.11

It’s my birthday and Richard has cooked a warm prawn salad as Janet and Joyce have come for lunch; Joyce’s birthday having been in May and Janet’s in April so we try to do something to celebrate each year. We invite my Mum too. It’s always such a joy to catch up with them both. Phone calls in the evening first from Nathan and then from Henrietta who will coming up with the boys soon. Touching e mails from dear Margus in Estonia and Rick in St Augustine. R as usual has made me a very beautiful birthday card.

Up rather late

Wednesday 29.6.11

Write cheques for the GC art student prizes

E mail from Gill at the Star College - we are delighted to see that most of the guests can come to the opening of the new Creative Arts Centre next week.

Thursday 30.6.11

Statement from Bridgeman Art Library