A year in the studio: my christmas 2025 wrap-up journal.
- Vicky Tucker
- Dec 22, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Christmas 2025 Studio Wrap-Up! A year of art, growth, gratitude - and what’s next!
Welcome, and thank you so much for being here.
This is my very first studio journal, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and it feels like the perfect way to reflect on such a big year.
Going forward, I’m hoping to share a journal quarterly - a gentle way to keep you updated with studio life, new artwork, exhibitions, and the stories behind what I do.
2025 has been my first full year as a fully self-employed artist - and I’ve absolutely loved it!
It’s been full on, hectic at times, and challenging, but also exciting, rewarding and deeply fulfilling.
Studio builds completed: 1
Having my own purpose-built studio has completely transformed how I work. I can’t thank North Yorkshire Council enough for their support through the UK SPF Small Business Grant, and of course my family, and friends, whose endless support and encouragement means the world.
A huge thank you also to Adele and Tim, at Kingston Rose Garden Buildings, for exceeding my expectations with the finished build; it was a complex space to build in (on raised ground and onto Gabions) and they nailed it - literally. A big thank you to my Dad, whose joinery mentoring over the years meant I was able to fully kit out the interior myself. A lengthy process that took six full weeks to complete - it really did stretch my skill set. But, the end result; a purpose built, functional space, was so worth it.
Upon reflection, I really do not know how I managed to work, for 18 years, from the kitchen table.
Commissions completed: 15
I’m so very grateful to every commission client who trusted me with such personal and meaningful pieces this year. Each commission is a privilege, and it never fails to amaze me how much trust people place in me to capture the animals and stories that mean so much to them.
A wonderful mix of dogs and horses has seen me painting steadily throughout the year, with every piece bringing its own character, memories and emotions into the studio. Many of these works are already in their forever homes, while a small number are still waiting to be unwrapped on Christmas Day, having been commissioned as very special surprise gifts.
Knowing my work will become part of someone's home, and part of their story, is something i'll never take for granted.
Original paintings finding forever homes: 4
Hold Your Head Up High, Running Free, Gandalf and Garden Friend.
There is something incredibly special about knowing someone loves your work enough to invest in an original. Each piece carries so many hours, emotions and stories and while it's always a little bittersweet to let them go, it never really feels like goodbye because of the genuine connection I have built with each and every lovely customer.
Prints sold: 68
There is no bigger compliment than someone choosing your artwork to live on their walls. I have spent a lot of time this year thoughtfully refining and streamlining my print collection, ensuring it reflects the heart of my work while offering something for everyone.
I now offer a carefully curated mix of limited edition and open-edition prints across my collections, with a wide range of sizes and price points. Being able to do this means my artwork can be enjoyed by more people, in more homes - and knowing that these pieces are finding places where they'll be lived with and loved is something i'm incredibly grateful for.
To view my fine art print please click on the button below.
Exhibitions hosted: 1
A wonderful two weeks at The Station in Richmond, where I had the privilege of being in residence, and share the space with fellow Leven Art Society member Charles Parry. It is always a wonderful experience to exhibit there, such a hub of activity and community. As much as I love exhibiting my work I equally love being present in the space, painting, talking and connecting with so many people who took the time to stop, look, and comment on my work and share their own stories. It is an incredibly rewarding experience and I always leave with a reminder of how powerful art can be in bringing people together, as well as feeling inspired, grateful and full of ideas for what's to come.
Due to the amount of projects I have planned I will not be holding an exhibition there in 2026. However, many of these projects will generate new work that I hope to exhibit in June 2027, dates will be confirmed subject to a successful application to The Station in 2026.
Demonstrations delivered: 2
I delivered painting demonstrations to Harrogate Art Society (painting a wolf) and Priory Art Society (painting a hare), and on both occasions I was warmly welcomed by the members. The audiences were engaged and attentive, watching with interest and asking thoughtful questions about my process, techniques and materials.
Whilst I certainly don't claim to be an expert in all areas of art, I am always happy to share the practical tips and insights that enable me to create my work. I am very much looking forward to revisiting both Society's in 2026 to share some of the marketing strategies I have been putting into practise to elevate my business this year. Dates are still to be confirmed.
New artworks added to my portfolio: 9
This year I added nine new artworks to my portfolio, including Stand Your Ground (120cm x 150cm) - a large scale piece that really highlights just how productive my new studio space has allowed me to be. This one is still to be added to my website, but already I am taking pre-orders for limited edition prints. A further addition to my Wild Horse Collection was Dawn Whisper a wonderfully vibrant, yet peaceful, painting of two wild horses at sunrise.
A further equine addition was Connection, a fleeting moment between horse and rider captured in time. I am delighted to say the original already has a forever home, while open- edition prints are still available. I don't usually paint people, but there was something about this image (courtesy of Ryan Day Photography) that inspired me to paint it.
My British Wildlife collection also continued to grow this year with the addition of On the Wing, Bright Eyes, and Upon Reflection. Each of these new works has been released as open edition prints and have been wonderfully well received.
Looking ahead to 2026, I'm excited to add more pieces to this much-loved collection, perhaps an otter, badger, or pheasant. As always, any suggestions are very welcome.
I also explored new subject matter this year , beginning with my domestic cat painting Wake Me later , alongside a more dynamic piece called Defying Gravity which captures a mountain biker suspended mid-jump. Inspired by my own years of MTBiking and the opening of the wonderful BikeBase cafe, this piece celebrates movement, freedom, and the thrill of the ride.
Both artworks are yet to be added to my website, keep an eye out for them in 2026, where they will be available as open-edition prints.
And lastly, and still in progress is my new wolf painting, again one that just inspired me on a whim - there is something in those eyes that I needed to capture on canvas. Once complete, it will be looking for a name, as always suggestions are welcome. Look out for this one on my website in 2026.
Learning, development & growth
From life drawing classes with Tees Valley Arts to workshops with The Leven Art Society, business training with Enterprise Made Simple, Thirsty Thursdays with Sue Thompson, and digital marketing support from the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, to Strive Live Business Training - this year has been about growth on every level. I am so grateful for all the support I have had from North Yorkshire Council, particularly Claire Lowe (my business advisor) who has put me in touch with all these amazing people and opened up so many amazing training opportunities. And, to win two grant awards in one year has been very humbling, not to mention game changing - it is such a massive confidence boost to have external bodies believe in what I am doing enough to offer me financial support - I am, and always will be beyond grateful.
Google reviews received: 10 five-star reviews
It took a bit of perseverance to get my Google Business Profile fully up and running - so a huge thank you to Sue Thompson from Catch Design for her help and patience along the way. Anyone who's ever tackled this will no doubt sympathise!
That said, it has been absolutely worth it. Google reviews are a brilliant way to improve online visibility and give potential customers an honest insight into what it is like to work with me. For a small business like mine, reviews play such an important role in building trust, strengthening my brand, and helping new customers feel confident in choosing my work.
So, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review, it truly means more than I can say.
And it's never too late. If you're one of my valued customers and would like to share your experience, you can do so by clicking the button below.
Collaborations: 1
2025 saw me work alongside the wonderful Ben from Roseberry Pet Crematorium. Ben approached me to create a card that could be sent out to his customers during what is often an incredibly difficult time. Drawing on his vision and my artistic approach, we developed a design that sensitively reflected the nature of his business while offering genuine comfort and reassurance to those grieving the loss of a much loved pet.
We later expanded this design into a Christmas card, a thoughtful addition, as the first Christmas without a beloved companion can be especially hard. Having experienced that loss myself with my beloved Marley boy, I know just how meaningful small gestures of kindness can be. It was truly lovely to work with Ben and to support such a caring local business.
Looking ahead, 2026 could see several more exciting collaborations come to life. One potential partnership is with the RDA Unicorn Centre, with a meeting scheduled for 15th January to discuss a project aimed at raising vital funds to support the centre's work.
Another exciting prospect involves working with a local photographer whose passion for wildlife and wild spaces mirrors my own, with the shared goal of raising funds for a chosen conservation cause.
A third collaboration is planned with American photographer Susan Goudge, who has kindly given me permission to work from a selection of her beautiful wild horse photographs. The aim is to create a collection of large-scale wild horse paintings, in a similar vein to Stand Your Ground, with the long term vision of developing the work into a touring exhibition. A percentage of proceeds from the sale of both originals and prints would be donated to Skydog Sanctuary supporting their vital work protecting America's wild mustangs..
A personal note from the road.
2025 has been challenging year both emotionally and logistically. It has involved at least 30 trips up and down the M1 to Uttoxeter - six of them in a horse box with Sabrina the Cob on board. My youngest daughter has recently returned home after completing her apprenticeship there with Team Breakwell. I couldn’t be prouder of her. Balancing motherhood alongside the demands of running a creative business hasn't always been easy this year, but it has been deeply rewarding.
Despite the challenges, we have both come through the year stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed sense of perspective something we will both be carrying forward in life and work.
Conservation & giving back
This year included rescuing three hedgehogs; the lovely Claire from Smoggy Hogs Rescue did an amazing job of of looking after them. However ,despite her best efforts, sadly only one survived, but, I am pleased to say, she has been returned to our garden and taken up residence in our hedgehog house!
Donations were made from proceeds of selected wildlife prints and original painting sales to Smoggy Hogs Rescue, Explorers Against Extinction and Skydog Sanctuary. In addition, eight fine art prints were shipped across to the USA for Skydog to sell as part of their charity auction.
I love knowing that my artwork has a purpose and helps to make a genuine difference, something that I will continue to focus on in 2026 with new artworks and further charitable donations.
To find out more about the incredible work the charities I support do, click on the buttons below.
Studio Dogs: 1
Life just wouldn't be the same in the studio without Dell. She loves accompanying me to work each morning and, the moment she hears me pick up the studio keys she comes charging over with her helicopter tail wagging, ready to go.
A true creature of habit, Dell starts her day with her morning treat before taking up residence on the steps below the studio. From there, she diligently keeps watch over her garden, guarding it from cats, cows (she can see them in the field) and any lifeforms that may come her way. Every so often she'll wander up to the studio for a cuddle and to check what i'm working on - especially if it's break time and the biscuits are out.
Being an artist can mean long, solitary hours, and having Dell by my side brings warmth, companionship, and a spark of life to those quiet moments. She's also my constant reminder to step away from the easel, get outside and keep moving. Our long walks are time to reset the balance - fresh air, muddy boots, and head-space, they play a huge part in keeping me fit, healthy and grounded.
Rescued from Thirsk Blue Cross re-homing centre as a 'failed' working collie (apparently too bitey for sheep!), she has most definitely found her calling as the best studio dog there is. I love her to bits, and wouldn't be without her, I only wish she could have met my special boy, Marley who I still miss every day. They would have adored each other and had so much fun together, I do think Dell would definitely have been the boss though.
So there you have it, what a year! Well done if you made it all the way to here; that was quite a read. Don't worry future editions will be a little less 'War & Peace'!
Looking ahead, if this is what’s possible in my first full year, I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings. Thank you for taking the time to read, and for all your support you've shown throughout 2025, it really does mean more than words can say.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and all the very best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
Vicky & Dell xxx
Absolutely terrific Newsletter Vicky. And of course I read every word. Why wouldn't everyone of your followers. It must have taken you a very long time to put it together. Thankfully you are a great scribe. Hoping you have a very successful 2026. Happy New Year to you and Dell.
What a fabulous achievement. So proud of you Vicky - following and achieving your dream ❤️