10 Artworks to Make You Smile

"I like January because mentally it’s like having a blank book ahead to write in - so many new dreams and plans I can put in there. I spend more time in my studio during Winter months, listening to my favourite teachers and books whilst painting."

"Everyday I take an hour or so to have a walk with my beloved dogs...I go regardless of the weather. I focus my mind on every positive aspect of my daily life and I give thanks even for the negative, knowing that life’s lessons are come through joy and sadness - I learnt the power of positive thinking at a very young age."

"In January, I like to get excited about the year ahead...I choose a room that needs a revamp and the transformation begins...It’s the perfect tonic for me and I’m always satisfied when it’s done, brushes in the sink and furniture put back in place."

"I love painting through the winter months in my studio especially when its cold and it’s a lovely cosy environment...I also really like the days getting dark earlier, it means I can get longer to use my glow paint and spent more time looking at the night sky through my telescope."

"I find inspiration in so many things, Books, movies, my children, and especially when I’m sat at my easel with just my thoughts and imagination. My imagination being my biggest gift I feel."

"I let my inspiration guide the flow of my process. for a week, i might get up at sunrise, go for a hike and paint for hours and then suddenly have a stroke of inspiration at midnight and stay up the whole night planning."

"One thing that does keep me motivated is the need always to improve...I have two dogs that I walk everyday in the Yorkshire countryside...the beautiful Yorkshire countryside is a constant source of inspiration to me"

"As it happens my studio looks out onto the garden and I am always cheered up by the antics of the birds...Coming up with fresh ideas is sometimes a chore but is easily overcome by a visit to a familiar or sometimes new natural environment."

"I love the winter months, they are the best months to capture incredible sunrises and sunsets and on a crisp clear night the stars seem brighter. I always get excited about heading to the snow capped mountains and wild riverside star gazing from my tent."

"I live by the moors so I'm out there every morning to start my day by mountain biking,running, hiking or walking the dog. My other major passion is my guitar. I play all the time, every break I have. I also make sure to speak with my friends or family.I have to speak to people throughout the day to keep me happy."