You spend years painting on canvas and think it is the only way to go. I used to paint with acrylics on panel (pieces of MDF coated with paint and sanded to a smooth finish). Rediscovering panels for use with oil paints has been fabulous. I know, people have been doing it for centuries, and loads of DAers too, but the level of detail and the way the surface responds to the brush is new to me

I've withdrawn all my work from DA. I really didn't want to, but the fact is that there are people out there who think that, because something is posted on the web, it becomes public property to be used by anyone in any way they see fit. I don't mind people using my photos, as long as they ask. I do mind people using my paintings in ANY form whatsoever, here and elsewhere. It takes me many many hours of backbreaking work to paint those pictures, so what gives some people the idea they can then just use them?

To all the people who have supported me and watched my gallery I send out a huge and I am really really sorry to do this to all of you who have said you liked my work because that is why I paint — to give others as much joy as I feel in being around these horses.

I've had a couple of requests for putting my stuff into print on DA. Thank you so much for the requests — I feel really honoured that you would want to buy prints of my work. Here's the thing, though: some of my paintings are already in print through a publishing company. It means I can't offer any of my work for prints, because I have contracted to them as the sole provider of prints, and it would cause problems if I start offering prints myself, even of the work they don't publish. I'm really sorry. If the situation changes, then I will certainly make my work available. In the meantime, I thank you for your kindness and support.

i just got back from vacation to about 1500 messages and the news that i got a daily deviation. a total and awesome surprise. THANK YOU for the daily deviation. i'm blown away by the honour , and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness in faving and for all the encouraging comments. now i have to do some laundry and get some sleep (4 am flight, packed flight, barbaric!)

APOLOGY: i only just realized that not all comments show up in my messages. i was looking at the comments on my homepage and i realized that i'd never read them before. what an idiot! to all of you who have written such kind things about my gallery and work, THANK YOU!!!! i really appreciate it and i apologize for not thanking you sooner.

i just had the great good fortune to photograph some really beautiful arabians. they live on a stud tucked away in the countryside not far from where i live. three stallions and a whole herd of mares with their babies.

the horses are so friendly and curious it's difficult to get them to run away and make nice shots for you. i've had horse drool all over my face and various bits, including my toe, tasted and tested. then when they did decide to run, they were so beautiful i almost forgot to photograph them.

i think my favourite was the chestnut filly foal. her mum has is not very fond of her so she's become very independent. she kept grabbing her mother's leadrope in her mouth, and then followed us around. every so often you could feel her snuffling along your back, or her face would appear in front of the lens just as you were shooting. i just wanted to grab her and take her home.

i got tagged. 8 pieces of info about me?

1. the woman who bred my horse didn't like him and wanted to sell him for slaughter. he's now the subject of about a third my paintings and drawings

2. i got my horse as a surprise on my birthday

3. i've been painting about 5 years and didn't paint with oils until last year

4. i taught myself to paint and draw

5. i can't run to save my life, but i can walk for miles

6. i hate fresh milk (smell and taste)

7. i don't ride (too many injuries) though maybe one day when if can move my left arm properly

8. i used to be a professional expert in Flash until a couple of years ago, but boy have things changed since i gave it up! i think i'll stick to sticks with hairs on the end and oils mixed with ground up stones. it'll take years before they change

i'm not tagging anyone else. i don't want to tag someone who doesn't want to do this.