On the evening of 11th December 2025, creativity and mulled wine were flowing freely at the 'Born & Bread' cafe in picturesque Portstewart on the north coast.  A total of 22 participants enjoyed a festive evening painting their very own Christmas robin to take home to gift someone or to keep for themselves.   Our host Aine ensured everyone's glasses were topped up during the evening and served delicious home baked mince pies and shortbread while Christmas music further added to what was a very special, festive evening.  Aine and I hope to be holding similar themed painting workshops in 'Born & Bread' throughout 2026 so watch this space!!

On the 7th and 14th November, a lovely group of people met at the West Bann Development centre in Coleraine to participate in my new "Portraits for beginners' workshops. Over 2 evenings the group learned about the proportions of the human face and after following my step-by-step instructions, were able to create realistic portraits using a range of media and techniques including pencil and charcoal.  The final results were tremendous and a testament to the enthusiasm and effort demonstrated by the artists.  Following the success of this 'portrait' workshop and after gaining feedback from the participants, I feel that it could be repeated in 2025 but extended over a much longer period.  Watch this space!

Summer finally arrived on the morning of 22nd June when a lovely group of artists created the most beautiful and vibrant paintings of sunflowers at my workshop at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.  Absolutely stunning work from everyone!

The 'Art Space' workshops at the West Bann Development Centre in Coleraine concluded on 12th June for a Summer break after 10 creative weeks of painting, craic and lots of tea and biscuits!  Such a fabulous selection of art work created from a lovely group of people.

On Saturday 9th March a group of lovely people gathered at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, for my 'Coastal Silhouettes' painting workshop.  Over the 3 hours everyone interpreted a local beach scene in a personal, colourful and modern style, onto a 12 x 16" stretched canvas.  It was a very different approach for many but the results were absolutely beautiful. 

My new 'paint a beach' workshop concluded on Wednesday 31 January with the 10 proud participants presenting their finished acrylic paintings completed over a 4 week period (8 hours)  Such a contrast from the first week when the apprehensive group unwrapped their substantial 16 x 20 inch canvases to the final evening when everyone's hard work and new found confidence resulted in these beautiful beach paintings, all very different and personal to each individual participant.  I have been totally astonished with the quality of the work produced and cannot believe these artists once described themselves as 'beginners'. Not any more! 

I'm delighted to have my art work on sale at this year's Christmas Market at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart.  As well as selling my most popular prints, I also have on show a few pieces not currently available from my website such as very large canvas and limited Edition Giclee prints and smaller framed prints which would make an ideal Christmas gift, even for yourself!  Four of my original paintings are also exhibited offering the ideal opportunity to view my original paintings 'in the flesh' so to say.

Autumn has certainly arrived in Limavady!  Check out the stunning colours in these fabulous paintings created by my painting class this morning at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural centre.  A massive thank you and congratulations to everyone who attended, the craic and creativity were both flowing!

 Venue:  Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady

In this painting workshop, local artist Elizabeth Johnston will guide you step-by-step through each stage of painting a local land/seascape on canvas board.  You will learn basic acrylic painting techniques as well as understanding how to create depth with tone and scale.  This workshop is suitable for beginners, no previous experience is necessary.  All materials are provided but please bring an apron or overskirt to the workshop to protect your clothes.