Two Indian runner ducks recently came to live at Golden Valley Cottage, joining our lovely hens and Little Arthur the cockerel. A pair of white doves from a friend have multiplied into quite a flock who roost on the cottage roof and coo on the windowsills in the morning. Although I love to paint clothing and everyday treasures the birds that live here, domestic and wild often make appearances in my paintings. The lightness of watercolour lends it self to quick sketches or studies of eggs and feathers. Oils are great for painting birds, adding texture to feathers and a good depth of colour. I like the look of a bird just hopping into a still life, like the curious robin that comes into my studio sometimes just to flit amongst the windowsill treasures.