Portrait Painting Intensive with James Hague
Pleased to say I'll be working on the 3 day intensive portrait painting course led by James Hague in Zennor in late November 2026.
This is a three day intensive focused on the rigours of painting portraits in oil. Suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners.
Dates: 27th, 28th, 29th November 2026
Painting the Nude Figure in oils with Mustafa Ozel
I'm pleased to announce that I'll be working on the Painting the Nude Figure in oils with Mustafa Ozel course that runs in Zennor, W. Cornwall in late April and early May 2027.
This is a five day intensive focused on the rigours of painting the nude figure in oil. Its suitable for intermediate/advanced practitioners.
Dates: 28th, 29th, 3oth April, 1st, 2nd May 2027.
Mustafa Ozel is an Istanbul-based Turkish painter and sculptor known for figurative oil paintings, primarily portraits and nudes. Utilizing unusual, technically challenging poses, he balances limbs and forms to manipulate positive and negative space. His subjects often interact powerfully with dark or spacious backgrounds, creating balanced compositions. While some works are smooth, his best feature a loose, controlled paint quality with evident brushstrokes and rich mark-making, shifting the focus from the subject to the paint itself.
Simon Davis Oil Painting from the Nude Figure Course
Pleased to say that I'll be working on the September 2027 Simon Davis Oil Painting from the Nude Figure course in Zennor, Cornwall:
5 day figure painting in oils intensive aimed at intermediate to advanced painters.
Dates: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th September 2027
As well as being a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Simon divides his time between his portrait painting and comic book illustration for the cult British comic 2000 AD. His fully painted work for the title has been collected into numerous books worldwide and he believes that the discipline of his comic-strip work complements his oil painting, allowing him to produce dynamic images in an economical way.
Portrait Painting Intensive with Andrew James RP, NEAC
Pleased to say I'll be working on the 3 day portraiture workshop with Andrew James in Zennor at Justlife.art This is a three day intensive focused on the rigours of painting portraits in oil. Suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners.
Dates: 13th, 14th, 15th November 2026
Andrew is a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the New English Art Club, is self taught, and has a wealth of intuitive intelligent wisdom to depart to us on both ways of being with out practice as well as the fundamentals of painting. You can find out more about Andrew here.
Within this course is the general goal of developing portrait painting and drawing skills, Andrew will look to enhance the fundamental skill sets for working from the model and improve the observational skills required to do that. Along with short and medium length demonstrations, there’ll be an undertaking of multiple exercises along with continuous one-to-one support, pushing our work as far as possible over the three days.
Van Dyck - work in progress
In January 2027 I'll be returning to the Sarum Studio Atelier to undertake a more ambitious project - to make a master copy of the fabulous Van Dyck painting of the Flemish merchant and art collector, Cornelis van der Geest. Painted circa 1620 this is a very early example of Van Dyck's genius as well as being one of my all time favourite portraits.
In preparation for this master copy, I spent a morning at the National Gallery in London sketching this painting in pencil in an A5 sketchbook.
More information on my current project to make master copies of selected paintings by Van Dyck can be found here.
More information is available on this fabulous painting at the National Gallery's website here.
Truro Cathedral "The Spirit Within" Exhibition
Pleased to announce that I'll be showing once again at Truro Cathedral in their "The Spirit Within" exhibition:
"Next in the Cathedral of Creativity Exhibition series is an exhibition called 'The Spirit Within'. Over thirty artists will be exhibiting their work, with all artwork available to purchase. There is no charge to see the exhibition and it will be available to view during general visiting hours. The exhibition will run until 23 October.
All are welcome to the preview evening on 8 October which will include music from Annabel Bennet, Sonia Levy and John Bickersteth.
Proceeds of artwork sales will go to supporting Truro Cathedral."
More info: Truro Cathedral - Cathedral of Creativity Exhibition: The Spirit Within
Portraiture Explored with Anastasia Pollard RP, CBPP
I'm pleased to say that I'll be helping out on the early September 2026 "Portraiture Explored" course led by Anastasia Pollard in Zennor, Cornwall. More info:
Portraiture Explored with Anastasia Pollard RP, CBPP, a five day intensive portrait painting in oils suitable for those of us with at least some level of prior experience as well as those with more extensive experience. Dates: September 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th. Times: 9.30am-4.30pm, lunch 12.30pm-1.30pm.
Poly Falmouth Member's show 2026
I have three paintings in the 2026 Falmouth Poly Member's show. They write:
We are delighted to have a great number of artists taking part in this year's show. As ever we have a huge range of work showcasing sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, photography, textiles, printmaking, drawing and many wonderful painting techniques. Much of the work is for sale. We're very excited to open it to members, locals, and visitors, upstairs in our beautiful Main Gallery, over three weeks.
Tuesday 25th August - Saturday 12th Sept, open Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10am - 5pm apart from the closing day. Exhibition closes at 3pm on Saturday 12th Sept.
Private View: Tuesday 25th August, 5pm-7pm - all welcome!
FREE ENTRY, EVERYONE WELCOME
"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, 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 - The Spirit Within
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.
"Creativity takes courage" - Henri Matisse
"I saw an angel in the marble and carved until I set him free" - Michelangelo
"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts- such is the duty of the artist " - Schumann
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it" - Andy Worhol
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!
