Sandra Rowney: In the Forest

In the Forest

One of my biggest regrets (with hindsight) from visiting Australia several years ago was that I didn't take up an invitation to 'go sketching for the day' with an artist in Wagga Wagga. She was genuine but I was overwhelmed, thinking her painting was so good that I felt I wasn't good enough to go with her. Now I'm in the same boat. I've found an artist whose work I really admire living in Keri Keri, "Just phone him", said the gallery owner, "I'm sure he'd welcome you to visit, after all, all artists like a pat on the back".

I have to summon up courage, but meanwhile I've struggled to try out the ideas I saw in his painting, "Part of the Walk". I'm about to drive over to a forest this afternoon where the shadows will be deep as it is 30 degrees outside so will have another try at this style.

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Welcome to my sketching and painting online diary. I work in a studio at home that overlooks my walled garden in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. I'm happy to share my daily artwork online, it gives me a focus, enables me to 'exhibit' what I do and hopefully entertains and inspires others along the way.

Back in 1997 I started a re-education in art after a career in business education and research. In 2007 I finally graduated with a Masters degree in Art, Design and Education and haven't looked back.

I have an artist residency in North Norfolk in the walled garden at the stately home of Holkham Hall. I belong to the Norwich 20 Group of artists and exhibit paintings widely. I am involved in theatre design, run workshops and am obsessed with sketching diaries.

At the end of October 2010 I began a fascinating art project as resident artist in the Holkham Walled Garden. I am fortunate in having the enthusiastic support of Tim Marshall the Head Gardener and his team of staff and volunteer gardeners. The garden covers six and a half acres, divided into sections that include a kitchen garden, high vineries, cold frames, shrubberies and grassed function areas. It is now being slowly restored over five years and I am working with Tim Marshall in recording the progress.

We have an online blog which I photograph and compile weekly, the link is below. This forms the basis of an exhibition and accompanying book which will be on show in the garden when it opens again to the public on April 1st 2012. The exhibition is in the 'potting shed gallery' which houses my current exhibition of sketches of work in the garden throughout the year.

My thanks this year for financial assistance from Holkham Estates, Norfolk County Council and the Friends of Norfolk Museums.