FLORENCE, THE ARTIST’S COMPANION
Florence belongs to Rutland artist Gillian Durno whose still lifes, flowers and landscapes have made her one of the most popular artists of the Notswolds. Curled into the dust sheets at the base of her easel, Florence is a regular fixture in Gillian’s Rutland studio, inevitably collecting a few stray flecks of paint in her fur.
Here we take a glimpse into their everyday rhythm. Florence a black-coated show cocker with a habit of stealing shoes. Gillian a painter who takes part in open studios, undertakes bespoke commissions, has new-work exhibitions at various galleries, and sells limited edition prints at different locations across the region. Together you’ll find them seeking inspiration at Rutland Water ready for long days painting together in the studio.
Tell us about Florence
My 9-year-old cocker is called Florence (Flo). She is a wonderful doggy companion, especially during my long days painting. She’s named after the beautiful Italian city which I fell in love with some years ago, after a special trip with my mother. She’s a show cocker spaniel. I’ve had two previous cocker spaniels (both blue roans) so was keen this time to have a black ‘solid’ cocker. She truly was the most beautiful, velvet black puppy I had ever seen!
What’s your dog’s favourite walk?
We love walking at Rutland Water. I spend a lot of time capturing different views of Rutland either by photographing or sketching, and Flo is quite happy to sit beside me patiently while I finish what I’m doing. When I return home to paint and I lay dust sheets at the base of my easel to protect the floor, Flo loves to nestle into the fabric and make herself a makeshift bed. On numerous occasions she has ended up with a big blob of paint on her head!
How well trained is Florence?
I was determined to train Flo reasonably well as both of my previous cockers were scatty and mischievous – although she does have a habit of hiding our shoes in the garden!
Where will we usually find your dog?
Florence loves lying on our feet, no matter what I am doing – if there’s an opportunity she will curl up on top of one or both of my feet. She loves human contact too (apart from later in the evening when she is tired and grumpy and likes to be left alone!).
What are your recommendations for dog friendly places to go?
As a special treat Florence loves the beach, particularly Holme or Holkham in north Norfolk. She runs like the wind, her ears flapping, loving the freedom off the lead and the huge expanse of sand and sea. I’m confident she is actually smiling when she is running – she looks so incredibly happy, and it always makes me laugh out loud.
What’s your dog’s toxic trait?
Florence is obsessed with owning or stealing personal objects to possess as her trophies. She will often hide socks, scarves, gloves and shoes in her bed – or underneath the sofa – and she becomes very cross if they are removed! It’s extremely frustrating when I’m rushing to get out the house and cannot find my shoes, but it is rather endearing too….
Is she a dog or best friend?
One of my previous dogs was definitely a best friend, but Florence is definitely a dog who loves the whole family (and not just me).
Gillian and Florence move between the studio and the landscapes that shape her work and you can follow more of their world at gilliandurno.co.uk and on Instagram at @gilliandurnopaintings.
INTRODUCE A DOG OF THE NOTSWOLDS
If you know a Dog of the Notswolds you think we should meet, introduce us at hq@notswolds.com.
