What do Artists do all day?

painting a still life
What do artists do all day
painting a still life

Hello again. What do Artists do all day

While it’s cold and windy outside, it is a good time to review my activity last year and to make plans for the year ahead. In 2016 I painted just over 100 works mainly in oils. I also painted ‘en plein air’ and a few large (1/2 imperial sheet size) watercolours, just to keep my hand in.

I travelled to Wexford, Ireland again in late July for Art in The Open.   This is 150 approx. artists, amateur and professional, working together in picturesque locations. Prizes are awarded for the best work, and demonstrations and workshops are available. Best of all, the Irish know how to enjoy their evenings. A BBQ and several impromptu social gatherings were also enjoyed.

What do artists do


In August I opened my studio, and welcomed many visitors to see where I work. In my studio were displayed over 100 paintings framed and unframed, so plenty of variety and choice. I enjoy the chance to meet up with fellow artists and enthusiasts, and to chat about everything art related.

In September I travelled to the Norfolk Broads, for four days of painting in the glorious lakeside scenery they have to offer. There were about eighty artists, and it’s now the 3rd time I have attended this most enjoyable event.

painting of boats at Broadstairs
What do artists do all day
painting of boats at Broadstairs

What do artists do ?

Now for 2017 I am considering a week long trip to Cornwall as it is many years since I have painted in Cornwall. They have plenty of small quaint seaside harbours and villages. Also rocky shorlines and headlands. I like to paint where the Newlyn and St Ives school artists used to paint. Such as the Lizard, Kynance Cove, Sennen, Lamorna, and Newlyn harbour.

It’s what artists do all day

I’d also like to paint somewhere warmer this year, if finances allow. In between these visits are day trips to London, and west Kent and Sussex. These provide for changes of scenery, urban views, or an abundance of trees, Oast Houses, and rolling downs.

painting of boats at Queenborough, Sheppey
painting of boats at Queenborough, Sheppey

I also plan on painting more frequently in 2017 and hope to achieve 200 approx. fresh works.

In between painting trips, there are Exhibitions in Margate in April ‘Three Points of View’. Also in Whitstable in June with Locus Arts.   Margate in July,   Broadstairs Arts Group, at home in Broadstairs in August with my Open Studio. Lastly in Ramsgate in October for my 3rd Solo Exhibition at York Street Gallery

What do artists do all day

I also help with a Sketch Group, in Ramsgate encouraging people to sketch regularly. And I help create a programme of plein air paint outs in and around Thanet, and East Kent in the Summer.
In the Autumn I’ll present another six session sketching course for begginers in Ramsgate. Have I forgotten to mention framing, mount cutting, cellophane wrapping, certificates to be produced etc. Then there is posting off sold works. Last but not least – writing occasional blog posts.

Busy? Yes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For more about summer art activities, See here 

Do you have a favourite artist? Perhaps one whose work resonates with you and your interests? Here is mine, go take a look here!