I am so excited to be exhibiting two pieces of work in the Penwith Society of Arts Summer Exhibition at Penwith Gallery in St Ives, alongside many other talented artists from Cornwall.

My abstract mixed media painting, ‘Party in the Bay’ (80x80cm), is joining ‘What a Day’ (60x60cm) to fill the empty space left by ‘Fireworks in the Bay’ (80x80cm), which has now arrived at its new home in Sheffield.

Fireworks in the Bay (80x80cm)

You can visit this wonderful exhibition until the 22nd August.

Please check out the Penwith Gallery website (https://penwithgallery.com/) or find them on Instagram (@penwithgallery) for more details on the exhibition – a must visit this summer!

What a Day (60x60cm)

                                                                                                     Party in the Bay (80x80cm) 

Just received this in the post. I had no idea I was being featured … so exciting! Thank you to Open Studios Cornwall for organising it. I am now working on some very different contemporary abstract paintings … softer in tone!

Diane x

This year is a first for me in taking part in the annual Open Studios Cornwall week when artists across the county throw open their doors. I must admit a little apprehension …. what if no one visits? My listing is under East Cornwall where you will find a selection of talented artists including painters, printmakers, illustrators, potters, jewellers, glass artisans and ceramists. So there should be something for everyone. The south east corner of Cornwall offers rolling AONB (area of natural beauty) countryside, pretty harbours and dramatic coastlines. The Diane Whalley Art studio is just a mile out of Fowey at Polglaze Farm on the B3269 on the Fowey, west, side of the river (and not on the Polruan, east, side as may be interpreted from the guide map). To find artists taking part just look out for the orange circle signs through out that week and follow the arrows.

My studio is set in over two acres of garden and orchard which becomes a campsite in July and August. From the garden is a stunning panoramic view of Cornish farmland and hills. Just a few minutes drive away you will find the ancient port of Fowey with many cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs; quaint retail outlets, several offering quirky homewares; galleries; walks along the Esplanade to Ready Money Cove and beaches; and for the more adventurous, trips on the river. The Eden Project is just 15 minutes drive away and the Lost Gardens of Heligan within 30mins by road. And with it being half term week there is plenty to occupy the children locally too!

The front garden at Polglaze Farm looking down towards the house and the Diane Whalley studio/gallery … surrounded by rolling hills and AONB

Diane x

On a recent visit to Brighton to take my eldest daughter to the University of Sussex we discovered the fabulous The Flour Pot café and bakery in the fashionable North Laines district. The coffee was fab, the carrot cake and orange, pistachio and polenta cake were fab, the décor was fab, the staff were fab – in fact everything about it was fab and I would highly recommend stopping there for a break or to grab one of the many delicious bakes.

The bakes here are an art form – sculptural, textural and painterly!

Diane X

The sun shone on Mother’s day this year and my two wonderful daughters treated me to a great day out at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey. http://heligan.com/ Daffodils were in full bloom and the trees were beginning to bud …. very soon again the gardens will truly be alive with colour! There is so much to see and do for all ages at Heligan and the café and restaurant is a wonderful place to refuel. There are also many spots throughout the grounds for picnics, ice creams and tea and cake. Finally, it must be said that Heligan is a great place to visit whatever the time of year.

I now feel inspired to paint!

Thank you girls.

Mummy x