Monday

The snow, which has lingered in the Borders for over two miserable weeks, was still on the ground in Duns on Monday (in April, no less!). In response, Tony cranked the heater up to its maximum setting and spent most of the day painting in his studio at home. Yvonne being on the up, the ensuing week looked good.

Tuesday

In the studio again, Tony worked on his new series of paintings, Beautiful Game. The series is heavily influenced by Tony’s own childhood, much of which was spent playing kicking around a tattered football in various soggy fields with other kids. Tony is looking forward to unveiling what may prove to be his most personal works to date soon.

Wednesday

Another day in the studio for Tony, building up texture on his latest series of paintings, Beautiful Game. At other times throughout the day a surprising mid-week rush kept the Geordie man busy with the human interaction that he lacks in the studio, which is something of a lonely retreat. Many years on, it’s still very humbling, Tony says, to chat with people who “get” his paintings and the sentiments conveyed therein.

Thursday

The local authority is searching for a piece of sculpture that will help to showcase Kelso to the many visitors the town welcomes each year, particularly in the fast-approaching summer. When he’s not painting, Tony is working on a mysterious “something special” that he hopes will put the small Borders town on the map. Watch this space.

Friday

Tony was in the studio once more on Friday. In accordance with the improving weather, the artist used plenty of bright spring colours: optimistic blues and lively greens. With a sudden upturn of the weather, Tony’s characteristically optimistic style has returned to his paintings.

Saturday

Saturday was a relatively quiet day, given the Grand National and the popular rugby tournament which took place in nearby Galashiels. Nonetheless, Tony was kept busy by the many friends who came to visit him in the Gallery on Saturday. When he wasn’t busy in this way, Tony worked on his new series of paintings. Later in the day, the delightful Evans family swung by the Gallery and bought one of Tony’s paintings, All the Fun of the Snow.