December for me as an artist is a difficult time and one that needs a lot of planning. I usually hold my annual studio open exhibition and party on the first weekend. This year I decided to cancel due to my two exhibitions in November (both were well received, to my delight).

Christmas is a great family time in our house, with my two eldest daughters coming home to join us and my youngest daughter. Although my contribution is minimal and those around me arrange and prepare all the things that make it such a special time, my painting time becomes fragmented. Last year I decided that I should plan a series of paintings that I could do in the studio. Starting with my sketches I made in London I used these as a starting point to make a series of mono prints. I then prepared some largish canvases and made a start on four paintings.

November Evening. Piccadilly Circus London 90x130cm oil on canvas