Been back at uni for a week now, we have a lovely studio space, light and warm, with windows looking out onto the river right next to it. There's been so much to take in my eyes feel like they are going round in circles, but I'd like to stay grounded and quiet inside, so I'm really trying to hold my centre. 

Last year we didn't really have individual desks which meant our studio often got untidy and difficult to work in. This year we have been given plenty of space and a desk each and the mood is more upbeat, I think, as a result.

I am using British Butterflies and Moths as the starting point for my project work this year and spent several delightful days at the Castle Museum study centre http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Norwich_Castle/index.htm, drawing and photographing butterflies and moths.

The collections I have been drawing from date back to the beginning-middle of the last century. I think that historical context is important to me. I Have also been looking at some beautiful photographs of living butterflies published on the internet, on sites such as http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php and http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/.