So thrilled to have visited the International Watercolour Masters 2026 Event Friday last week, which runs until this Friday 22nd.

And, honoured to have seen one of my paintings chosen from the earlier competition 2025, on the winners’ virtual screen, along with 199 wonderful works from other participating artists.

200 more worthy competition entrants are framed and exhibited alongside some of the Masters of Modern-day watercolours, making it the largest IWM Watercolour Masters Exhibition, so far, with the Masters coming from around the world to share demos and workshops inspiring everyone interested in art.

Some of you may have seen my painting, ‘An Idyll’ which is a quaint cottage from Downham, in the Landscape Gallery earlier. I am so glad to have painted, ‘An Idyll', as on our return visits to the village we discover that it has lain empty for 2 or more years needing some tender loving care. A recent visit to 16th century Downham Village, reveals that it is now being updated. Sadly, it seems the mullions are being painted, at least the downstairs.

Thankfully, Downham is still like stepping back into another era and despite its visitors retains a friendly, peaceful, pretty and serene ambience. Nothing much has changed since the classic film scenes of, ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ with child actress, Hayley Mills, which were depicted on location here in the 1960’s.

17/05/2026