I had a great time at the opening of the UKCPS exhibition in London. There were 234 drawings with some amazing technical ability on show. The organisers of the exhibition have done a fantastic job and it was great to meet some of the society members. I was delighted to receive a Highly Commended Award for ‘Meeting Herbert’. I was presented the award by Bernard Poulin and the actor Philip Glenister (pictured) who was there promoting the work of Shooting Star Chase (a children’s hospice service) . It was lovely having my father, daughter (pictured next to her portrait) and her boyfriend there with me. We also enjoyed having a drawing session with the beautiful coloured pencils that Faber-Castell provided, as they were sponsoring the event, marking their 250th anniversary. (Gemma’s drawing pictured)
As part of my trip I also visited some other art exhibitions in London. I really enjoyed the Jerwood Drawing Prize, I particularly liked Dave Farnham’s video and the work of Ruby Manson. I also visited the Degas show at the Royal Academy, the Sunday Times Watercolour Exhibition at the Mall Galleries and the Romantics at Tate Britain. It was a busy but fulfilling trip and I hope to go again soon!