This, to date, is the first year free of interruptions since I started painting, and I feel that I have made significant progress in the quality of work I am producing - now virtually exclusively in Soft Pastel.

The year started with being preselected for the Pastel Society show in the Mall Galleries, London - an achievement in tself - but dejection in not making the final cut spurred me on to achieve a higher standard with my work.

Social media - Facebook and Instagram - have raised my profile way beyond expecation - introducing me to many wonderful new artists and groups, resulting in appreciation of my work across the globe. Most new work is posted on completion, so please take a look.

Exhibitions included ‘Making Waves’ a very successful one man show and workshop at NWT Cley reserve in Norfolk. I participated in two exhibitions at The Sea Pictures Gallery in Clare, and also in ‘Four Sight’ a shared exhibtion here on the Norfolk Coast.

I continue to enjoy giving workshops and demonstrations and have met some fantastic amateur artists and new friends at Palette for Pleasure in Martham and also Wymondham, Downham Market and Binham Art Groups.

I have lately received fantastic news in that both of my seascapes have been chosen for the Royal Society of Marine Artists in The Mall Galleries, London this coming October. It was only my second application, having previously shown two acrylics in 2012.

Here’s to an equally successful second half of the year!