I’ve been a huge fan of Cezanne since I first saw this painting in the Courtauld Gallery many years ago, and any chance I get to see any exhibitions of his art work, there I am at the front of the queue. I scour second hand bookshops for books on Cezanne, and try to get hold of any new books published his work. It sounds, I suppose, a bit like a hobby, but to me it’s much more than having something to do in my spare time; I’m still quite amazed at the thrill of standing in front of a Cezanne painting – it’s, I dont know – like coming home, like my whole body relaxes and my soul goes “wow”.

So – I wanna write a book! : well, not really a “book”, that you just read from beginning to end; more like a ‘time-out’, a space in the day, to engage with a painting, with poetry, a little context, and a brief description.

But first, I’m gonna start with a blog: I’ve joined the National Portrait Gallery here in London, and will be visiting to view the exhibition of portraits by Cezanne. I do hope you can join me through the blog…