We seem to be on something of a roll at the moment, when it comes to revisiting projects, with this expansion to the much-loved ‘Pilgrims’ sequence being the latest example.
Many of you will have seen the pair of paintings that Ann has already completed, but for those of you unfamiliar with them, we’ll start with a little background…
Thank you, as always, for being such an essential part of our story. Your passion and encouragement are the threads that fuel our creativity, urging us to capture more of the beauty and mystery around us. Let our journey together continue long into the future.
With our warmest wishes,
Gary & Ann
In early 2020, life as we knew it shifted. Covid-19 took hold, and along with it, our regular Craft Market in Cirencester closed its doors. Overnight, Ann and I found ourselves unable to trade. But there was more to it than just the market’s closure. We’d already begun to realise that something needed to change.
Ann’s wildlife paintings—already recognised for their distinctive style—weren’t quite hitting the mark in Cirencester. As you might expect in the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, the local market was saturated with hares and foxes, and audiences seemed weary of seeing yet another variation. We needed a spark, something different that would reignite our passion and steer us onto a new path.
Strangely enough, the answer was already waiting in the studio: a handful of unfinished paintings, quietly tucked away. Like many artists, we sometimes set aside works when the momentum fades. Some were wildlife studies; others tentative steps into more imaginative, fantastical territory.
With time suddenly on our side, we revisited these canvases. What if we looked at them with fresh eyes? Could they become something more?
One of those pieces was The Pilgrims. We took that painting—along with others—and began to breathe new life into it, adding a hare, toucan and their accessories into the composition. We had no idea that this decision would become a turning point, leading us down a path that’s grown beyond anything we could have imagined, connecting us with collectors and admirers around the world.
In hindsight, those uncertain days were more than a challenge—they were the start of something truly transformative.
Pilgrims Rest… marked a significant milestone in our journey, as it was the first time we created a direct sequel to a painting.
Through this piece, we explored the story of characters whose journey embodied stoic resilience. What we hadn’t anticipated was how deeply this narrative would resonate with our audience. Looking back, it’s clear that Ann and I were on our own kind of artistic pilgrimage. The path wasn’t always clear, and there were moments of doubt—wondering whether the light ahead was a breakthrough or a fast-approaching express train. But something kept driving us forward: a quiet conviction that we were doing the right thing, even if we couldn’t yet see the full picture.
This painting didn’t just continue the characters’ story—it became a testament to how far Ann’s artistry had evolved. In the four years since that first piece, her skill and confidence had grown immensely. Pilgrims Rest… was not only a continuation of the narrative but also a celebration of that growth. She’d come a long way—and the painting reflected every step of that journey.
Back in the summer, we shared The Promise of Spring—the first in what we envisioned as a quartet. Historically, we’ve been known to take our time bringing new works to life. But this series felt different. Unlike the difficult From Whispers to Wings, (see Newsletter #44), this one had momentum.
After one or two diversions, we found ourselves exploring the third painting in the quartet (why we skipped straight to number three instead of tackling the second remains a mystery!). This piece would represent a magical transition from autumn to winter. To capture that delicate shift, Ann began with a rough demo—a simple exercise to establish a working palette of tones.
Yet almost immediately, it became clear that this was more than just a sketch. There was something captivating in the composition; something that demanded more than a cursory glance. We both felt it: this wasn’t just a demo, but the beginning of something else…
So, we paused and put our heads together. What could it become? How could we honour the potential within it? Then, as often happens in the studio, inspiration struck. Perhaps it was like a mouse perched on my shoulder, clutching a butterfly-shaped balloon, reaching up to pull an idea from that swirling cloud of possibilities…
Which brings us here…
As its title suggests, Pilgrims Gather is the starting point of it all. If this were a superhero franchise, it would be the prequel—the origin story that sets everything in motion.
This captivating artwork marks the genesis of a profound journey—a pivotal moment within the Otherwurlde Collection, where three unlikely companions meet for the first time. Set within a tranquil woodland scene bathed in the soft light of an autumnal day, the piece invites viewers to reflect on the deeper ideals of pilgrimage: self-sacrifice, perseverance, and the hope for spiritual awakening.
Having walked across Spain one-and-a-half times, I can personally attest to the profound solemnity of embarking on a journey. That nervous first step—the moment comfort is left behind and uncertainty embraced—is both humbling and transformative.
At its heart then, this painting embodies the timeless ideal of the pilgrim: one who willingly leaves behind the comforts of home to embrace the unknown, enduring hardship in pursuit of enlightenment. It speaks to a universal yearning for transformation—an inner journey as much as an outward one. The serene woodland, with its misted horizon hinting at a world beyond, provides a fitting stage for such aspirations. Here, the landscape is more than a backdrop; it is a spiritual sanctuary, where the trio’s first steps towards understanding are taken.
At the centre of this scene, by a fallen log etched with a moss-covered Celtic knot, the Toucan arrives first. Perched on an overhanging branch, he surveys the pathway below with quiet resolve.
His balloon, floating gently beside him, offers a tender contrast to the trials ahead—a symbol of hope tethered to the reality of their task. Wrapped in his olive-garland headpiece and tailored jerkin, the Toucan’s readiness hints at the endurance he will need, yet his demeanour is patient, almost contemplative, as though he already understands the virtue of perseverance.
Sitting patiently nearby, the Fox exudes both quiet strength and a sense of nobility. His ensemble is a masterpiece of craftsmanship: a saddle of quilted burgundy leather rests atop his polished armoured shell, its intricate tail protector shining in the filtered woodland light.
Now consider the Fox’s expression: to us, it’s one of stoic resolve. He is no stranger to hardship; his unyielding gaze suggests a readiness to embrace it for the sake of a higher calling.
Note, too, the empty socket in his headpiece: the purpose of which will be revealed next…
The Hare’s arrival completes the gathering. His armour and regalia, pristine and gleaming, belie the wear they will soon endure. Yet the Hare brings more than himself—his sack of glowing ‘headlights’ holds the promise of light, both literal and metaphorical. Intended to guide the trio through the darkness ahead, these lamps also symbolise the illumination of the spirit that pilgrims seek.
His frisky, vibrant presence is imbued with an energy that balances the grounded serenity of his companions.
Around them, subtle details enrich the scene: a field mouse peeks shyly from its perch atop the log, a quiet witness to this sacred moment, while high above, an owl watches over the assembly. In Otherwurlde, owls are more than creatures; they are guardians of the land, their presence a blessing of protection and wisdom.
The spiritual essence of this painting extends beyond its narrative. Ann’s masterful rendering of light and shadow, combined with her attention to detail, imbues the work with an uncanny serenity. The misted woodland suggests a liminal space—a threshold between the familiar and the extraordinary—while the autumnal palette evokes both the richness of life and the inevitability of change.
This might be a good time to talk about the tonal shift in the work, when compared to the other pair in the series. In short, we think it’s a good sign if we can move settings & characters along like this: it shows that subjects & strong compositions are not restricted to the ‘moody blues & purple skies’ that Ann has favoured recently.
In these close-up views, I hope you can see some of the looseness in the background? Remember, that Ann was going for tone above all-else here, as it started life as little more than a test – a demo – to find an autumnal palette. Yet for all that, there’s a lightness of touch here. A crispness in the autumnal sunshine. A faint stirring of one season coming to an end in a riot of defiant colour against the frigid months of winter.
This is a moment of calm before the storm. In the paintings that follow, our trio will face unrelenting trials: battling through desolate snowfields and seeking shelter on a windswept mountainside. Yet their purpose remains enigmatic, almost secondary. What truly matters is the journey itself—the act of walking forward, together, in pursuit of something greater than themselves.
Here lies the enduring truth of the pilgrim’s ideal: that the journey is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the strength of bonds forged along the way. To sacrifice comfort, to forego safety, is to open oneself to a deeper understanding—a spiritual awakening that transforms not only the destination but the soul of the traveller. In this painting, the serenity and patience of the characters suggest a quiet acceptance of the trials to come. They stand not as mere wanderers, but as seekers, unified by a common hope: that through endurance and trust, they will find not just a destination, but a revelation.
This artwork, the first in the sequence that follows-on, sets the tone for what follows—a story of perseverance against the odds, and a reminder that some things are worth striving for. Whether for a cause, a shared goal, or the simple strength of companionship, these Pilgrims teach us that the journey itself is the reward.
We’re back at the Corn Hall, Cirencester EVERY weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) from now until Xmas… Our stand at the Corn Hall might look impressive these days, but we still struggle for storage. That means we can’t bring everything you might want to see, to every show…
Neither Ann nor myself want to disappoint you, so if there’s anything you’d particularly like to see in-person, PLEASE get in-touch ahead of time and we’ll ensure it’s there!
Thanks for sticking this Newsletter out to the end; we hope that you’re delighted by Pilgrims Gather… as much as we are!
We think we’re seeing out the year with a very special new artwork that we think is going to delight many of you (that’s the hope, at least!).
I can’t close without offering our thanks to you all. Your support (and patience) has been immense over the few years we’ve been on this ride together; we couldn’t do this without you…
