 Navigating the backwaters, 46x36cm, oil on canvasThis is one of my pieces currently showing at Henley Regatta in the Stewards enclosure gallery. I was delighted to be invited to exhibit again this year, all paintings need to be rowing/river related which suits me fine. If you are going please take a break from the rowing (or bar!) and pop in to have a look. Stewards EnclosureTo all local artist friends on this mailing list, please note the call below for the Merton Arts Festival Open House trail which I’m organising for September. See CommonWorksGallery.org for more details. Common Works Gallery is a community interest company I have set up with Katie Preston bringing arts projects to the local community. The term ‘Common Works’ takes inspiration from William Morris who’s workshops in Merton Abby Mills were set up with the belief in the benefits of coming together to create and learn new skills. After Art in the Park Festival last year, this year we are reviving the Merton Arts Festival open studio arts trail. You’ll hear more in due course!Exhibitions opening in London this month  Picasso Ingres: Face to Face is an opportunity to see these two paintings together for the first time. Picasso first encountered Ingre’s ‘Madame Moistessier’ in Paris in 1921 and it struck him deeply. He painted the portrait of his young mistress Marie Therese in 1932. Both paintings are stunning and both have fascinating stories behind them. Stop in to see this tiny exhibition if you are passing. National Gallery room 46 until 9 Oct |
 Africa Fashion is a huge exhibition that has been 2 years in development and celebrates the originality of African designers in the wake of the continent’s liberation through to the present day. The show looks at the effect this cultural renaissance is having on global fashions. The V&A fashion exhibitions are always a treat, I look forward to this one. V&A until 16Apr23 Would you like to some bonding with your teen? Then take them to Future Shock at 180 The Strand, an immersive show of light installations that leave you feeling bowled over. The gallery has established itself as the master of cavernous installations and the mind-bending artists here are no different. It will keep the teen’s instagram fed for weeks. Until 28 Aug, 180 The Strand For something a bit more wholesome, go and see The Secret Garden exhibition. It celebrates Frances Hodgson Burnett’s wonderful classic with games, trails and illustrations from the book. It was one of my favourite novels as a child (and when I re-read to my children) so I will take them to this! Also, the lovely Garden Museum is a must for any keen gardeners. The Garden Museum 6 July until 4 Sep |
 www.commonworksgallery.org Meet you in the Bridge Bar, 66x46cm, oil on canvasAnother of my paintings showing at Henley regatta this week |