I can’t explain the excitement I get as Dorset Art Weeks draws near. It’s a fantastic event that runs across Dorset every other year. Artists, makers and creatives throw open the doors to their galleries, studios, gardens and sheds and invite everyone in to discover their work and what inspires them.

One of my personal highlights last time was meeting artist Vanessa Bowman in her pretty painted summer house in Cattistock.  It was like stepping into one of her beautiful canvasses – all light and colour. Vanessa’s studio is just one of the open studios that make up the hugely successful biennial Dorset Art Weeks, running this year between 24 May – 8 June. So, brochure and camera in hand I am ready for my two-week adventure of art, inspiration and the odd cream tea.

This will be the 11th Dorset Art Weeks. It’s one of the largest events of its kind in the country. Truly brilliant.

Images by Katharine Davies Photography