Yesterday I had confirmation that the solo exhibition which had been planned for October will go ahead. The original discussion had taken place a few months ago but due to my back problems I had left it on hold. I'm very excited, it's my first solo exhibition here on the island and I am grateful to the German-Maltese Circle for offering me their exhibition space, which is located in lovely old Messina Palace in Valletta

I have a lot of work to do to make up for the last 2 months of lolling around in bed. I hope to show some wips, if I have the time.

Haven't been able to post anything recently as I slipped a disc 8 weeks ago and have been more or less confined to bed and on the happy pills (pain killers).

During those weeks, apart from reading a huge amount I have not been able to do much else. The last week or so, I've started to get back to normal – I'm like the walking wounded now.

As soon as I was able to move about – I went back into my studio and lay on the day bed. Hobbling along the hallway form the darkness of the bedroom to the brightness of my studio really lifted my mood. I analysed the paintings on the walls. Which I found to be a very good exercise. It has also given me so many new ideas and I have many paintings in my head now – enough for several series, which I will start on as soon as I'm physically able.

I've managed to complete a couple of abstract charcoals which I had started before the disc incident. Playing with charcoal whilst flat on my back wasn't easy and the sheets retained a lot of the lovely grey tones from the dust.

I've also managed to complete a few pencil sketches and my gallery is now split into two sections: “Acrylics” and “Charcoal & Pencils”. A third section for digi-art will be added soon.

 Here are another couple of charcoal portraits, again the references have been taken from Wet Canvas. Thanks WC

I've just started on a couple of abstract charcoal paintings which I will post when I've finished

 Found this small canvas when I moved my stuff into the new studio and decided to paint over it.I posted it on the WC art forum and received the best comment I've ever had about a painting "It looks like sex", thanks timE you made my day

  Been very remiss with blog postings of late, slap on the wrist. So here are a few of the pieces I've been working on. These are all charcoal and they are all references taken from the Wetcanvas image library, which is a great resource. With thanks to contributors Hugh Hill, Dale and whoever posted the "miner" ref, I'm afraid I can't find the name.

Just moved from my little studio to the big  room at the back of our place, it's twice the size so I can make twice the mess! and I'll be able to use bigger canvases. Can't wait to get started.

The room has large windows and a glass door leading onto a balcony which I will fill with plants. Our dog loves it, he lies in the patch of sun that comes (most days) through the balcony door

Here's the third...

Here's the second "palette knife mini":

This is the first of what may become a series of small works done with a palette knife. They are 24x30cm acrylic on canvas board.

Okay I'm up and down like the weather at the moment. No dosh for canvas and paint, so I've dusted off my graphic tablet and here are some of the results: