Spring is officially in full bloom here in the heart of the county, and for me, that means one incredibly exciting milestone: the Barbourne Artists’ Spring Exhibition is just around the corner! This annual showcase is always a highlight of my year, and I am thrilled to be returning to the wonderful, historic arches of The Artery Studios in Worcester.

As a Worcestershire Artist, my work is deeply rooted in the quiet beauty of the English countryside, the shifting patterns of natural light, and the delicate elegance of still life compositions. But before these original paintings can hang quietly on the gallery walls to be enjoyed by visitors, there is a whirlwind of creative and practical preparation happening behind the scenes in my studio.

Today, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share a little bit of that journey with you.

Curating the Collection and Finding the Harmony

Preparing for an art exhibition is about so much more than just finishing a canvas. It is about storytelling. For this year’s spring show, I wanted to curate a collection of work that feels cohesive, atmospheric, and full of the fresh energy of the season.

Once the final brushstrokes are dry and the varnish has settled, the real puzzle begins. How will they look together? To solve this, I transform my studio floor into a mock gallery.

Doing layouts for my wall in the studio in the garden…

As you can see from the photographs, I spend hours physically arranging and rearranging my paintings on the floor to plan the layout for my exhibition wall. This process is essential. I look at how the rich, earthy tones of my Worcestershire landscapes balance against the soft, delicate palette of my floral still lifes. I pay close attention to how the eye moves from one frame to the next. I want the arrangement to feel like a visual melody - where every painting has room to breathe, yet contributes to a beautiful, collective harmony.

The Details: Framing and Finishing Touches

Once the wall layout is finalized, it’s time for the physical prep work. Every piece of original art deserves to be presented at its absolute best.

With my lovely framer Sylvie

I have all my work framed professionally, but there are always things to do…This stage of preparation keeps me busy with tape measures, D-rings, and picture wire. Each of my original paintings is carefully fitted into its frame by my framer, ensuring it is secure and ready to hang. I also spend time polishing the frames so they look immaculate under the gallery lights. It’s a hands-on, meticulous task, but there is something incredibly satisfying about seeing a painting completed by its perfect frame, ready to find its new home.

Join Us at The Artery Studios!

The Barbourne Artists are a collective of five local creators, and bringing our diverse styles together - from textiles and vibrant abstracts to my own classical still lifes and landscapes - always creates such a rich, celebratory atmosphere.

• Where: The Artery Studios, Arch 28, Croft Walk, Worcester, WR1 3BD

  
  

   

• When: Friday 8th May – Wednesday 13th May (Open daily, 11am – 5pm)

  
  

   

Whether you are looking to invest in a new statement piece for your home or simply want to immerse yourself in Worcester’s vibrant creative scene, please come along, say hello, and enjoy the show. I can’t wait to show you my finished wall!

Come and Say Hello! (My Stewarding Hours)

There is nothing I love more than chatting about art, sharing the stories behind my brushstrokes, and meeting fellow art lovers. I will be stewarding the exhibition on several days throughout the week and would absolutely love to welcome you in person.

You can find me at the gallery during the following times:

• Friday 8th May: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Saturday 9th May: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Sunday 10th May: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Tuesday 12th May: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

If you would like to view the exhibition but are unable to make these times, please don't hesitate to get in touch - I am more than happy to arrange a private viewing by appointment on other dates.