First of all, a huge thank you for all the kind words, messages, and generous support since my last newsletter. I have been absolutely blown away by the love and encouragement—it truly makes a difference. My home has been filled with flowers, cards, chocolates, books, warm socks, home-made gifts, invitations and love.
It’s been tricky to take a moment to update you as it’s all moved at a pace and, I’ve racked up a whopping 19 medical appointments—two surgeries, scans (and their trusty sidekick, scanxiety), plus a rotating door of consultants who now probably know more about me than I do. I did try to dodge the chemo train, but it turns out, my body needs a little extra persuasion to keep those pesky cells from making a comeback. My Oncologist assured me, "We’re going to give you the gold star treatment." I think that’s consultant code for "we’re going to throw absolutely everything at this!" You get to know their lingo pretty well after a while.
I’ve had to adapt an e-l-a-s-t-i-c mindset to everything and that’s included the decision to intermit my MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge. I held out hope for as long as possible that I could keep it going and worked through that knotty angry feeling that opportunity might be slipping away from me, but ultimately, pressing pause is the best call and tutors have been so understanding. When I travelled back to Cambridge to collect my work portfolios it already felt like a trip down memory lane. To keep things moving forward I need to keep my observational drawing practice going - it’s an essential part of my recovery plan! There’s something about coming back to a space after time away. The dust settles. The light shifts. And you start again—one brushstroke, one sketch at a time.
My friends have gone above and beyond—taking time off work to just be there, driving me to appointments, ensuring I actually get fresh air, wig-shopping (get ready for some dubious wigs), and stuffing my freezer full of nutritious meals like I’m a very fragile bear preparing for hibernation. And to everyone who has attended my workshops at the Cow Shed Studio—thank you for rolling with the changes. You lot are the best. I do believe that getting up and feeling perky for you all is the best medicine and just look at all your fabulous creations so far this year.









Right, I’ll head off to the Cow Shed now to talk to the printer nicely (it’s a temperamental bugger on a good day!) and stoke-up the heat press to create more Cow Chopping Board stock - it turns out you lot love these characters keeping you company in the kitchen! Tewkesbury Cards and Gifts ran out of stock quickly and my online shop had an excitable flurry of orders too - thank you!
More good news! My LION design has been selected as one of the 32 lions (out of 250+ designs) that will make up the sculpture trail in Gloucester and Cheltenham. I’ll be painting my design and meeting my sponsors in the coming months in Gloucester - I can’t wait to be part of the pride and tell you all about it! Especially as it’s raising funds for the The Big Space Cancer Appeal - a super facility for treatment, healing and recovery.
NEXT newsletter, I’ll share my creative business planning it’s simple, effective, and just the right amount of stubborn - I think you’ll like it and you’ll probably be able to adapt it to your big ideas and plans.
Thanks for being here and for cheering me on. Your support means the world. With love and occasional napping. ❤️ Sam x
Quick links:
Workshops - more dates coming soon
Commission Enquiries - more information and send through your ideas
Inside The Studio membership - Monthly painting projects (join / cancel anytime)
Original Paintings available - low stock at the moment
Prints available - canvas or fine art paper prints
Sam I love you, a true Galentine message from me to you! You are amazing and I know you’ll rock all those dodgy wigs!! 💜