2025: Five personal highlights

2025 has been a transformative year for me and my painting practice. I’ve stepped out of the studio more often, met some incredible artists and mentors, and started to better understand how my work fits into broader conversations around contemporary painting today.

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to look back on some of my personal highlights — to take stock of what I’ve achieved, but also as a way to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has helped and encouraged me along the way.

1. John Moores Painting Prize, Liverpool

Like many painters, I think of the John Moores biennial as one of the top painting competitions in the UK. Its anonymous submission process and expert panel of judges make it the barometer for painting in the present moment. To have been selected as an exhibitor this year was a huge honour, and I’m extremely proud to have my work ‘Twigs’ hanging on the walls of the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

2. Lido Open, Margate

I think the Lido Open gets bigger and better each year, bringing together an eclectic mix of small-scale paintings from across the UK. My work ‘Clouds’ felt like an appropriate submission, given Margate is synonymous with Turner — master of light, atmosphere and the elements. I was pleased it managed to make its way out of the studio and into this year’s show.

3. ING Discerning Eye, London

For me, the format of the ING Discerning Eye really sets it apart from other competitions — each selector curates their own small collection, making this large exhibition feel very personal. Seeing how someone else would group one of my ‘Twigs’ paintings with other artworks actually helped me see the work in a new way and has given me lots of new ideas.

4. Solo Exhibition at Glasshouse Contemporary, London

I’ve had the pleasure of showing with Glasshouse before in group exhibitions, but this year gallery owners Johanna and Joey offered me a solo show. This exhibition was my first opportunity to bring together a full body of paintings in this dedicated space and see how they spoke to one another. It was a brilliant experience and great to engage with visitors from across the city.

5. Turps Art School

Alongside exhibitions, in 2025 I began the Turps Correspondence Course — art school via written letters. Throughout the year, it has given me structure, critical feedback, and a sense of continuity in my practice. The mentoring and dialogue with other painters have already had a real impact on how I think about the work I want to make next and I’m looking forward to my next round of correspondence in the new year.

Selected works from 2025