February brought weather remember? Grey skies, pouring rain, floods et al, John drove around our country lanes, searching for inspiration. Noticing the sad balls of mistletoe weighting the tree branches, he began to sketch. Back in his studio, he became involved in layering wash after wash, varying the greys, interested to watch the light effects coming through. At least six big paintings later, each one looking wetter, more flooded, the trees more miserable, eventually satisfied he’d got the atmosphere right. So here we have six, probably, un-saleable paintings!

Although things seem only to be ‘ticking over’ we have been kept really busy mailing
The Book:
‘Malawi Days – 60s and 70s’ has found it’s way onto a Facebook page named ‘former residents of Malawi’ and we’ve been swamped with orders from all over the world! Many youngsters that John taught, now parents and grandparents themselves, are very nostalgic about their happy days in the art room at St Andrews High School in Blantyre.

Oriel cRic Gallery, upstairs at the visitor information centre in Crickhowell, continues to be a favourite place to call in – usually to deliver fresh paintings. Suzette and her team work well to maintain the bright friendly atmosphere, which both artists and buyers enjoy.

The 5th Inkberrow Village Green Art-Fair on August Bank Holiday Monday, brought 15 local artists and crafters out for their day in the sun. Lots of visitors, some making an early start their Christmas shopping in the sunshine. It’s become a popular village event.

John’s entry to the Broadway Arts Festival ’24 competition has been accepted for hanging. Those of you who visited last year were asked “How did you hear about this event?” We hear the majority response was: “from John Harris”! Thank you for supporting what we now know is a great year-round festival and Charitable Trust, which provides bursaries to local students starting, or in full time arts education. The Exhibition of 150 selected artworks at Bretforton Theatrebarn, is on 27 September – 6 October 11am – 4pm.

John continues to paint non-stop, gets involved with group exhibitions and often busy with commissioned work, which keeps on coming. So the brushes are still hot!