After weeks of travelling, sketching and painting in England I am finally back in New Zealand. There is a special kind of calm that comes from walking through your own front door after a long journey. It was nice to crawl in to my own bed and wake in my own room even with the jetlag!

Leaving England was emotional as it always is. Saying goodbye to friends, family and ponies is never easy. I carry the sketches, photographs and memories with me and have no doubt they will inspire future paintings.

It was good to walk in to my studio this morning and see all my familiar tools and materials ready to start new work. I am looking forward to starting my next piece with what I have learned during my practice in England but for now I am just happy to be home.