"Portraits of St Petrocs" Exhibition has been shortlisted for the Holyer an Gof Cornish publishers awards
Great to hear that the catalogue to our "Portraits of St Petrocs" Exhibition has been shortlisted for the Holyer an Gof Cornish publishers awards. Winners to be announced on Saturday 4th July at Kresen Kernow!
Pics - cover by Les Trewin and inside portrait by Oliver Makeham
Best of luck and huge thanks for organising go out to Adam and a big slap on the back to Tristan for book design.
Bring it on home, gentlemen!
Supporting St Petrocs | Cornish Homelessness Charity
Penzance School of Art: Upcoming Art Auction!
I'm pleased to announce that one of my portraits will be for sale in the upcoming auction in aid of the Penzance School of Art. Here's the press release (that's quite some company to be in!):
We are thrilled to announce a special fundraising Art Auction to help save our historic buildings!
Where: Chapel House, Chapel Street, Penzance
Auction Date: 19th July at 4:00 PM
Viewing Days & Times:
• 17th & 18th July: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 19th July: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We are deeply grateful to be receiving donated artworks by an expanding list of incredible artists: James Hague RP, CBPP, Antony Williams VPRP, NEAC, CBPP, Mustafa Ozel, Rogier Willems, Anastasia Pollard RP, CBPP, Jason Walker RP, Catherine MacDiarmid CBPP, Tom Mead CBPP, Simon Davis RP, Wendy Barratt, CBPP, (winner PAOTY 2023), Katie Jones (PAOTY Finalist 2025), Florence Lee, Pippa Young (stunning work shown in this post is by Pippa and is in the auction), Faye Eleanor Woods, Andrew Litten, Lucy Stein, Kate Walters, Daisy Rickman, Daniel Turner, Grant Bucknell, John Garbut, Tim Ridley, Jules Manson, Emma Digerud-White, Fran Rowse, Yolande Armstrong, Max Whetter, Sophie Denneter, Faye Dobinson, Partou Zia, Richard Cook and waiting to hear back from more.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO REACH THE FINISH LINE
While we prepare for the auction, reach out to art benefactors, apply for grants, and secure features in national and local press (including the upcoming Artist Newsletter on 31st July), the clock is ticking. We have just 7.5 weeks left until our hard deadline on 15th August.
Every single pound matters. Whether you can give £10, £50, or £100, it all adds up to protect this vital piece of our art community.
Donate now via our Crowdfunder Link Please note: if for any reason we end up not being in a position to buy Penzance School of Art then we will issue refunds for all donations via Crowdfunder and for returned art purchased at the auction.
Portraits of Zennor Exhibition at the Tinners
Here's a little early announcement that I'll be showing paintings that have been completed as part of the Portraits of Zennor project at the Zennor Village Hall AND the fabulous Tinners Arms in the autumn of 2026. The Tinners is one of my favourite places in Cornwall and I'm very happy to be exhibiting here for the very first time. More info to follow here and at: Justlife.art
Dates for you diary: show opens on the 27th November with the private view that evening and is then open for the 28th and 29th November only!
Truro Cathedral
I'm now confirmed to be joining October 2026's Cathedral Exhibition. The theme will be: "The Spirit Within". Preview evening: Thursday October 8th from 6.30 - 9 then the show will be on for 2 weeks. More info to follow.
Rogier Willems - Zennor Course
I'm please to be both helping out with and joining the Rogier Willems Intensive Portrait Painting course in July 2026. An artist whose work I love:
Many of us will be aware of Rogier from his recent success winning the William Lock prize awarded by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters at their annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries (2025), however, Rogier has a wealth of experience as a portrait painter and tutor/mentor over many years and in many countries. You can find out more about Rogier here.
Sarum Summer School
I'll be joining the Sarum Studio Summer School once again working on my portrait and figure painting techniques.
Founded in 1994, Sarum Studio is an independent atelier of fine art that offers a variety of courses throughout the year, including bespoke personal tuition, as well as workshops to suit all ages and abilities, from complete beginner to full time professional.
The teaching ethos at the studio is focused on the development of observational skills, and to provide a thorough grounding in the established methods of drawing and oil painting. Whether studying full time, or from part time, students acquire visual and technical abilities through the practice of working from nature using a method called sight-size.
Occupying the former Choristers School - an elegant Queen Anne building of 1714, and located within Salisbury's beautiful Cathedral Close, Sarum Studio provides a uniquely inspiring environment conducive to study, and a rewarding, enjoyable experience away from everyday distractions.
Falmouth Poly's Secret Postcard Exhibition July 2026
As a big fan of the Falmouth Poly I'll be taking part in their upcoming Secret Postcard Exhibition - but you'll have to guess which pictures are mine. No help here ... !
A fun and vibrant fundraising exhibition featuring postcard designs by local artists - all of which will be for sale. Expect a wonderfully varied range of designs, showcasing the incredible talent in our community.
All the postcards will be available for sale and funds raised will go towards the #Poly200 fundraising campaign.
Tuesday 21st July - Saturday 25th July. Private View: 21st July 5 - 7 pm. Postcards on sale at 5pm.
Kellgren, Bucknell, Hayes Poly show June 2026.
Lee Kellgren, Derek Hayes and Grant Bucknell are all local artists who have studios at the Old Grist Mill in Penryn. They work in a range of media: oil paint, acrylic, ink, collage and printmaking. Subjects range from life drawing to portraits and from contemporary landscape to boldly abstract design. This exhibition showcases new art they have been working on during the past year.
KELLGREN, HAYES & BUCKNELL
Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th June
Private View: Tuesday 2nd June. 5pm-7.30pm
FREE ENTRY, EVERYONE WELCOME!
Falmouth Poly Spring Open
I'm pleased to say that I'll have my portrait of Ziggy on display at the Falmouth Poly's Spring Open in April 2026. "Featuring a wide range of work from a variety of disciplines, this exhibition is a celebration of the artistic talent from our community – carefully selected to showcase the best works from both established and new artists". The show's open from the 21st – 25th April 2026.
Creation & The Natural World - Truro Cathedral
I've been invited to put six paintings in to Joan Bose's latest exhibition at Truro Cathedral.
Cathedral of Creativity: Creation and the Natural World showcases the work of 33 artists, including painters, sculptors and photographers. Together, they present a varied and engaging collection of artworks inspired by the Natural World, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of styles, viewpoints and creative responses.
All artworks are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Truro Cathedral.
The show runs from the 11th to the 24th May 2026.
Portraits of Zennor
I'm currently spending most Thursdays in the fantastic Zennor in west Cornwall working on a project to paint all the members of the parish ... quite some task!
