Welcome to the Toni Hargreaves Gallery. Please click on any image to enlarge it and get further information.

A Day In The Life Of The Artist:-

If I'm starting a new painting I prefer to start the piece first thing in the morning and never on a Friday as I feel compelled to work all weekend when the background paint is wet. Generally, I work “office hours” to keep a routine but if a piece is going well or if I've had an appointment during the day I work later. It's easier in summer when the nights are lighter as I don't enjoy painting in artificial light. Good sunny days are sometimes a chance to join the cows in their field and collect some more reference material. I'm lucky that most of my subjects are on my doorstep.

I check my e mails before I start and then I organise my studio trolley with the brushes I need before I squeeze out the oil colours that I want to use on to my palette. It's a methodical process, applying paint, assessing it, altering it and applying more paint which I do each day whilst the image and character develop before me. I paint through the day listening to the radio, switching between the commercial stations when I know all the adverts word perfect! There's always a CD or some music on in the background whilst I work.

The end of the working day begins the tedious process of brush cleaning and although I know it must be done thoroughly to maximise their life it doesn't get any more pleasurable!

I don't often work after my evening meal unless it's to draw out another painting ready for the next session or to deal with paperwork and e mails. It's nice to be able to enjoy a meal and share a good bottle of wine and conversation.