So from the single blade of grass and the magical, mysterious thing we call a cloud, to the epic and breathtaking vista, it all still fascinates this kid.

It's why I make British landscape paintings and art prints now

Naturally, Yorkshire subjects dominate my collection at this time, though I'm always hopeful of being able to paint further afield. I already have many sketches, of 'foreign' parts elsewhere in the UK, waiting for me to work-up into finished art.

It's been a big year, with three exhibitions: Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens near Bridlington, Pyramid Gallery, an impromptu one at Castlegate House (both in York), and…

A (working) holiday at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland - yes, I'm still trying to find time to update that page on this website, with the paintings I made while there (I know, I know, not good enough).

All of these events have been a fascinating learning experience. Seeing people react to my pictures first hand at the exhibitions was a privilege and it was a delight to chat with them about art, where best to paint, how I make my prints and explaining that all my work on show is by one artist (me). It was a common question that took me by surprise the first time it was asked. It's been good to see what instantly appeals to people and hear them tell their stories about where this or that painting reminds them of. The love people have for linocuts was also a big learning – I had no idea.

This year has been a depressing one with the awful political carry on and never ending uncertainty affecting a lot of business. I fear there will be a round of independent gallery closures soon and the prospect has been a mood dampener. I prefer selling through galleries you see, because it means I get to spend more time in the studio painting and printmaking. If they disappear I'll have less and less avenues to sell my art through and that will make it all the harder.

Though I hadn't intended it, this year has turned out to be a soul searching year.

It's the artist thing. An artist is always questioning what they're doing in their constant quest to be a better artist. I've been questioning my art at a deeper level than before though and thinking about how I develop going forward. Am I giving up my art? Well I thought about it. But no, I'm not done. Once I get my accounts submitted, I'll be fulltime on this website adding ordering and paying features, so is it all doom and gloom? Nope.

We've got the glory of Autumn in full swing heading our way, which always makes my heart sing.

Especially on a sunny day with blue skies shining through the oranges and yellows, and that wonderful fluttering that starts to fill the air as they fall to earth – always beautiful; often stops me in my tracks.

I finally managed to get up to Whitby, sketching round St Mary's high above the harbour, last week. Dashing off on the spur despite the so-so weather forecast, it was a glorious blue skied day, with swallows zipping along the cliff edge. I sat mesmerised by how lovely it was. Stop painting? Not on your life. I'm hoping there will be an 'Indian Summer' up there (as is predicted) so I can go and paint all day before the year's out. I've a mission to complete a painting that's been nagging at me for… possibly years now.