Charcoal, Coastlines & Chaos

July is proving to be a lovely month.

I've been busy working on a collection of pieces for Lyzzick Hotel in the Lake District. They'll be displayed in the hotel and available to buy or admire, whichever you prefer! The first piece is a charcoal drawing on handmade paper, and I have to admit, those are always some of my favourites to create.

I love that unfinished sketchbook feel. The rough lines, little handwritten notes and marks that almost tell the story before the painting even exists. They remind me of time spent out on the trails, stopping for five minutes to take something in before carrying on. They never feel overworked, and I think that's why I like them so much.

The big skies have been pulling me back again this month. The warmer evenings have allowed a bit more time to mooch along the coast, with Scotland over to my right and the Lake District over to my left. It's one of those places that makes everything feel a bit lighter. I always come home with a clearer head than when I left.

I've also added the first collection to the online shop, which has felt like another little milestone. More than anything though, I'm really enjoying working at a slower pace. I don't feel like I'm constantly chasing the next thing anymore, and I genuinely think it's showing in the work. I've realised that the less pressure I put on myself, the more creative I seem to be. Funny how that works.

Then, probably the biggest event of the month...

Brock arrived.

At just eight weeks old, he's settling in brilliantly. Studio assistant training hasn't quite begun yet. At the moment he's much more interested in biting chair legs, chewing trainers and launching himself around the house at full speed before falling asleep without warning. He's got plenty to learn, but I have a feeling he'll make a pretty good little sidekick before too long.

For now though, I'm just enjoying this season. Good work, big skies and a puppy asleep somewhere nearby. It feels like a pretty good place to be.

Victoria