Rooftops and Hollyhocks (2024)

Original media: Inks, gouache, acrylics, watercolour, pencil, 23 carat gold leaf and gold thread

Daphne and I (Daphne is my little yellow Fiat 500) went on a drawing minibreak to North Yorkshire in the summer, while my family were all away. I took in Kilburn (where I got chased by dogs), and spent the evening and the night in Helmsley. In the morning I ventured into town, bought a book about the White Horse hill figure, and a small, proper Panama hat for my son in Oxfam (he’s always wanted one – he was thrilled). Helmsley is all very pretty, with its pale stone and red roofs, and I think this is the most ‘Helmsley’ of views. The back gardens were vivid with colours, the little brook running along side. The deep red hollyhocks caught my eye – they always remind me of family holidays camping in France.

Available as a mounted and signed limited edition print – unframed. Hand-finished with gold leaf and gold thread.