Reflecting on the opening weekend of my Isle of Mull Solo Show at the Castle Gallery in Inverness fills me with a mix of gratitude and joy. It was a beautiful weekend, truly brilliant, highlighted by a very well-attended private viewing that had me both excited and admittedly nervous — unveiling a year’s worth of work is always daunting, not knowing how it will be received.
Read MoreSpring Solo Show, March 2024: Isle of Mull
November, 2023 Update:
I’ve now finalised the 36 pieces that will form my solo show at the Castle Gallery in Inverness next March.
Beyond excited to share this preview with you. I’m in the process of finishing touches, which means whitening up the canvas edges, so they have a sharp, clean finish for exhibiting.
Read More2024 Exhibitions and Permanent Collections
I’ve been very lucky to have exhibited my art extensively over the best part of the last 30 years both here in England and my beloved Scotland too.
If you would like to invite me to exhibit my works in your gallery or venue, please use the contact form on my website and I’ll be in touch promptly.
Always Pushing (The Boundaries): 2010 --->
Reflecting on these three decades, I realise it's a continuous learning curve. There's always more to explore, more techniques to master, and more landscapes to capture. My children, with their teasing about my obsession with clouds, are a reminder of how my passion for art permeates our family life.
Read MoreGetting My Name Out There: 2000-2009
With a studio in place, the daunting task of approaching galleries began. My strategy was a blanket one—I reached out to every gallery in the country. A bit naive, admittedly, considering I didn't filter my search based on what they specialised in. Yet, this scattergun approach had its merits; it landed me representation in four galleries: ScotlandArt.com in Glasgow, Northcote Gallery, Roman Black in London, and the prestigious Pontone Gallery.
Read MoreFinding My Artistic Voice: 1990-1999
This exploration was the cornerstone of finding my unique voice—an artist's signature style. It wasn't just about technique; it was about how I saw the world and expressed it through my art. My degree show, a culmination of this period, sold out completely, affirming my path as an artist.
Read MoreThe Roots of My Artistic Journey
Contemporary British artist Shazia Mahmood as she reflects on her artistic journey in our latest blog series. Discover the childhood experiences that ignited her three-decade passion for art, from tranquil art classes to transformative gallery visits. This series is a must-read for art lovers and anyone intrigued by the emotional power of art and the artist’s formative memories.
Read MoreCreativity: The Unsung Hero Of Happiness
Creativity is personal expression. Grab that pencil, paint, wool, or any tool of your choice and dive into the world of creation. Because, at the end of the day, creativity is not just about producing art – it's about enhancing life.
Read MoreCreativity in Education: A Personal Reflection on Sir Ken Robinson's Vision
The journey to creativity isn't about avoiding errors but embracing them. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the path to artistic excellence is paved not with perfection, but with persistence.
Read MoreThe Fundamental Features of Abstract Expressionism in Fine Art Painting
My Approach: Abstract Expressionism
With a fervor for experimentation, I've honed unique ways to apply paint – seldomly finding solace in conventional tools like a brush. My creative process is inherently abstract, fluid, and sometimes chaotic, yet these initial waves of spontaneity often evolve into a thought-provoking piece of art.
Read MoreIn Situ: photos from clients
Seeing my work in my clients’ homes is wonderful! The joy passed on to live its next life.
My artistic journey is one of relentless pursuit and exploration. With an M.A. in Fine Art Painting, my career began almost 30 years ago and has flourished since. Today, I'm honoured to say that my work graces the walls of art enthusiasts around the world, and I've had the privilege to exhibit my pieces extensively as a full-time artist.
If you've bought my art over the years, I'd love you to share a photograph of it in situ — it really does help others to see my work in context (and of course they are a joy to see!)
Read MoreSummer Show at The Little Art Gallery, West Wittering
From 23 June, for 3 weeks I'll be exhibiting 9 of my favourite pieces from my local coastline from Bracklesham Bay to East Head, West Sussex at The Little Art Gallery, West Wittering.
Read MoreWhy The Open Studios Are Important To Foster Creativity In Young People
As an artist with over 25 years of experience, I believe that the Chichester Open Studios art trail offers an invaluable opportunity for children and teenagers to discover the world of art. Unfortunately, art is often taught in schools in a very prescriptive way that limits creativity and discourages exploration. That's why I think art trails are so important - they show young people that art is all about possibilities.
Read MoreOpen Studios 2023: Chichester Observer/Sussex World Interview
Looking ahead to this year's Open Studios, I recently had the chance to have a chat with Phil Hewitt, Group Arts Editor for Sussex World (Chichester Observer).
I spoke about one of the subjects I am passionate about, education and the arts and encouraging children to be creative — without limitations.
Isle of Mull Study Trip
I’m finally going on a long-awaited trip to the Isle of Mull … learn more about my study trip.
Read MoreSHAZIA MAHMOOD ART NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ART AGENCY, ESHER
I'm pleased to announce that some of my work has a new home in Surrey at The Art Agency, Esher.
You can buy online or visit the gallery in person.
Read MorePostcard from Tuscany
Tuscany: a truly magical experience for a painter
Read MoreCREATIVE THINKING IS RELATED TO CREATIVE MAKING
My message is everyone has a unique line, There are no rules in painting . Everyone has the ability to draw. I have always encouraged my children to create using whatever materials they want; there's no right or wrong, there is no bad art.
Read MoreWHEN MO GAWDAT MET SHAZIA MAHMOOD
When Mo Gawdat met Shazia Mahmood … It was enlightening and energising listening to Mo and others on the topics of creativity and happiness. I also got the chance to talk about my own personal mission around the importance of flow in creativity and how this can help our mental health.
Read MoreApril Newsletter: Chichester Art Trail
Chichester Art Trail 2022. Over two weekends: 30 April - 2 May and 7- 8 May. I'm venue 57 on the Peninsular Trail
I am so excited to be opening my studio doors to you all once again! The Studio has had a spruce up — although I don't think the acrylic paint is ever coming out of the floorboards!
I have also been very busy getting together a new selection of paintings of West Wittering, Bracklesham, views to the Isle of Wight and my beloved Scotland specifically for the trail, but you'll also be able to see some past works too.
There will be large and small pieces, framed and unframed, in fact, there will be A LOT of paintings to view — perfect for all homes and budgets.
You don't need to be an art collector or connoisseur to enjoy the trail, some of the best conversations I've had have been with people who just love the atmosphere and experience of the wide variety of artists and venues.
Other 2022 Exhibitions
Scotland Art. Live now. In person in their Glasgow gallery and online. original pieces available to purchase
Cambridge Contemporary Arts. Summer Show: 1 July to 31 August
Castle Gallery, Inverness. Summer Show: 1 July to 31 August
Make a note in your diary, as I would love to see you — I'll keep you posted via email and on Facebook and Instagram on all updates and sneak peek!
I have been painting and exhibiting and selling for 27 years after graduation from my Masters and Degree in fine art and I THANK YOU very much for your continued interest in my work — here's to another 27 years of creative expression!
If you can't make the Art Trail, you can book in any time to visit The Studio - click on the button below to make an enquiry.