About Me
I have always loved art, particularly when drawing animals and nature. My earliest memories of drawing are of sitting with my Grandad, a retired gamekeeper, and sketching foxes and pheasants. We have always had a variety of pets and my holidays were often spent on my Uncle’s dairy farm amongst cows, calves and an assortment of other livestock.I have had no formal training, so for many years I just produced the occasional graphite or pen and ink drawing for friends and family. The turning point came when I decided to enrol for evening classes in watercolours and was well and truly bitten by the painting bug!
Later, I joined the Art group within Royal Manor Workshops on Portland – the groups that form the Workshops aim to promote and facilitate art and craft in the community. Although not a teaching group, I learned a huge amount from the other members and gradually made the transition from watercolours to acrylics and eventually oils, my favourite medium. Local exhibitions, then commissions followed. I am very grateful for the help and constant encouragement from friends, family and colleagues at work.
I live on the Isle of Portland, located at the southernmost part of Dorset which forms part of the Jurassic Coast. My home is not far from Portland Bill and cliff top walks in all weathers with my dog, along with hours spent on the local waters in my Dad’s boat have provided a constant source of inspiration.
I am currently a member of Artwey, and the Bridport Art Society.
I was pleased to have been invited by The World of Interiors magazine to be included in their Artistic Impressions pages in July 2017. These pages showcase new and emerging artists and makers.
Exhibitions
Nov/Dec 2018 - Artwey Christmas Exhibition at Weymouth Library
Jan/Feb 2018 - Work showing at the Posh Partridge Cafe, Dorchester.
26th July - 5th August 2017 - Bridport Art Society Annual Exhibition, Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre, South St, Bridport.
3rd July - 5th August 2017 - Work will be exhibited at the Engine Room Restaurant, Poundbury, Dorchester.
20th May - 4th June 2017 - Open for Art. Part of this art trail, I will be opening my home every day
from 11am till 6pm. For directions see www.artwey.co.uk.
April 2017 - Work showing at Cafe Oasis, Weymouth.
10th March 2017 - Royal Manor Workshops 'You'd be Surprised who Paints' , Jubilee Hall, Easton, Portland.
January/ February 2017 - Work on display at the Jailhouse Cafe, The Verne, Portland.
October 2016 - Royal Manor Workshops Annual Open Exhibiton, St Georges, Reforne, Portland.
September 2016 - Bridport Art Society Annual Exhibition, Alsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre.
May/June 2016 - Dorset Art Weeks at the Old Town Hall, Weymouth.
April 2016 - Progression - Artwey at the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle.
November 2015 - Coast and Countryside, Interpreting Nature. Caroline Nairn and Karen Toleman joint exhibition at the Upwey Old School Hall.
October 2015 - Royal Manor Workshops Annual Exhibition.
July 2015 - Bridport Art Society Annual Exhibition - awarded the Greyhound Trophy for the Best Seascape, Time Out, Portland Bill.
July 2015 - Sherborne Art Society Annual Exhibition.
July 2015 - Art in the Park, Royal Manor Workshops.
May 2015 - Artwey Open Studios, Old Town Hall group.
April 2015 - You'd be Surprised who Paints, Royal Manor Workshops.
December 2014 - Artwey Present Finder exhibition, Mulberry Gallery, Weymouth Library.
