In the first week of January it seems as if we have fitted in enough news for a year.  As a painter, self isolation is no stranger to me, in fact I find no distractions really helps my work.  I'm dreaming up new subject matter and media so watch this space.  

I've got 2 pastels in the Pastel Society at the Mall Galleries which I'm thrilled about but because of lockdown it will be online. On the positive side, many more people should be able to see the show.  My works are now very big so on the bright side it stops the challenges of big journey into the city centre. 
https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/pastel-society-annual-exhibition-2021

January is a time to reflect - the lack of light makes it more of a race to get out and work but signs of spring are appearing.  

This apple blossom was pastelled under lockdown last year - and it very much feels that spring is round the corner. 
​

2020 is proving to be a very weird year for us all.  Many exhibitions have been cancelled or are online and I'm trying to get more IT friendly. This spring was unlike one I've pastelled before - I was in one place (Bedfordshire) in lockdown.  I was extremely fortunate and it was good to be in one place to witness all the minute changes going on.  More work coming up!
This pastel of apple blossom is in the Chelsea Art Society show - Chelsea Unlocked opening tomorrow until Sunday 11 - see website for details /chelseaartsociety.org.uk/sloane-stanley-exhibition/

I was absolutely thrilled to receive the 2019 Royal Talens/Rembrandt Award at the Pastel Society Mall Galleries yesterday.  The prize is a large wooden box of beautiful pastels which I can't wait to work with. 
It was a complete surprise; you could have knocked me down with a feather!
Exhibition continues until 16th February.

I'm thrilled to have two works accepted for the Pastel Society 2019.
Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, 5-16 February coming up!

It's all rather full at the moment organising my show of Indian work and other travels next month.  I'm having to learn skills I never knew I possessed - mainly IT - skills I never realised I needed to know as an artist!
The work is at the framers and photographs all up on the website (see exhibition page) and I'm really looking forward to seeing the work together framed for the first time.  My tiny studio at Wimbledon Art studios just cannot fit them all in at the same time!
If you would like further information, please email me

Over the last decade or so I've had some really confusing emails about commissions and exhibitions  I knew nothing about! It was made all the more perplexing when the people who contacted me insisted that I painted animals and exhibited near Oswestry.
It eventually dawned on me that there are two Louise Diggles, who paint. I'm not sure what the chances of this must be!.
It was with huge delight I met up with Louise for tea, We couldn't look more different but we are both left handed and like scones. It was great to see her exhibition at Caffi Wylfa in Chirk and talk painting.
Her website is http://louise-diggle-artist.blogspot.com
and her account of her alter ego is here http://louise-diggle-artist.blogspot.com/2018/07/not-my-alter-ego.html

One of the great joys of London in June is the annual spectacle of Trooping the Colour and the incredible parade along the Mall.  It's often very hard to find a good spot during the day itself but the rehearsals are as good, if not better, to get a sense of the parade - without the crowds.

Very happy to write that I'm having a solo show of my Indian work in September at Piers Feetham Gallery 11-15 September. Further details coming soon! 

​Back in In my studio after 3 incredible weeks painting in Rajasthan. Back home, it seems weirdly quiet and grey as if the colour and volume buttons have been turned right down.
One English couple last week described India as the greatest show on earth and I couldn’t agree more. It’s got such spirit!
It was both a delight and frustration to explore the extraordinary, delicious and unexpected clashing bright glorious colours that pop up everywhere. The extremes and contrasts make this a beguiling and fascinating place to get out your easel and go! The light is consistent but everything else is up for grabs.
​The noise, joy, smells, frenetic activity and contrasting peace.

​​Why India is a great place to paint:
Consistent and beautiful light
Incredible sunrise and sunsets
Clashing colours
The unexpected - always keeps you on your toes!
The spirit
Health and safety goes out of the window
Sense of humour
You live in the present

​More work coming up!