Tim Saunders

Toyota Verso road test

There are few vehicles that will transport three generations of the same family. But MPVs (multi-purpose vehicle) solve this difficulty. Traditionally, though there’s one drawback and that is that they’re environmentally unfriendly gas guzzlers, which is why Toyota scrapped its popular Previa.

The pros and cons of commissions

Some artists vigorously embrace commissions with great energy and enthusiasm while others shun them altogether.

Seat Toledo road test

We live in extremely straitened times where most countries including the UK continue to accumulate debt. The prospect of a career for life has become virtually non-existent. UK house prices have risen to such an extent that first time buyers are now nearly 40 years old.

This week’s road test

Delivery drivers are a misunderstood breed. Imagine what their lives must be like with a never ending list of deliveries to make to various locations within a set time frame. This is only set to increase as online shopping becomes ever more popular. Remember this demanding schedule when one pulls out in front of you without indicating.

Art sells properties

Art sells properties. That is a bold statement of fact from Scottish colourist Eileen Sey, whose equally bold work is hung in countless luxury apartments along Brighton seafront and Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, UK.

This week’s road test

The legendary Golf GTi often seems to be the benchmark for other hot hatch manufacturers to follow.

This week’s art news

A heart-warming love affair is the subject of a new exhibition in London this April.

Suzuki SX4 diesel road test

Robust and versatile. Two words that spring to mind when I am confronted by the Suzuki SX4 DDiS, the 4x4 hatchback. A switch allows the driver to select between two- and four-wheel drive, which is useful in this day and age of increasingly expensive fuel. Vehicles are always more efficient when in two-wheel drive and this is great for typical day-to-day use. Four-wheel drive is ideal for challenging winter conditions or the occasional bit of off-roading. Being able to switch between the two while you’re driving is really useful. Compare this to a Land Rover 90 where you have to be stationary to perform this move and I am already impressed.

This week’s art news

The joys of a country life

“A country life is enjoyable and inspirational,” says Paula Vize, the Hampshire artist whose distinctive and memorable work can be found in private collections throughout the world. “I like to spend time painting and walking with my dogs. I love the horses and the hierarchy of the hounds which fuels my inspiration. Paintings are an excellent form of communication and education about those things so valuable that we are in danger of losing in Great Britain.

This week’s road test

A friend needs a broken cooker replacing immediately. I suggest repairing it but he says it costs more to repair than to replace. He is frustrated that only the four hobs on his Beko work and that an element for the grill and oven needs replacing at considerable expense, which isn’t justifiable.

Printmaking

Printmaking requires a great deal of patience, according to Miranda Halsby, an elected member of The Royal Society of British Artists (RBA).

This week’s road test

Performance enhancing drugs have been favoured by a small number of disgraced sports personalities. Most notably former world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and athlete Ben Johnson.

This week’s art news: Inspiring travels

Travel is often the best way for artists to find the inspiration they crave in order to produce their work.

BMW 3 series road test

Have you made a new year’s resolution? Perhaps more importantly, are you sticking to it?

The importance of light

“The most important aspect of my work is how the light effects what I see,” reveals the British landscape artist Nigel Fletcher.

Landscape painting in all weathers

“I enjoy battling against the elements,” reveals Colin Willey, the British plein air oil painter, who finds that painting in the landscape adds valuable qualities to his work.

MyCarryPotty review

My little daughter Harriett has just started potty training. It’s a testing time for even the most patient of parents. You might have spent time fitting a new nappy and then little one says in the sweetest way imaginable: “Daddy, go wee wee.” You can’t ignore them because that will affect their confidence. But it can become frustrating especially when the potty is nowhere to hand.

This week’s road test

Infallibility is a dangerous feeling and often results in disappointment, I am told.

Artist Phyllis Wolff goes international

A renowned British colourist now plans to take on the world.

British botanical art helps forget global recession

“My paintings of flowers are very cyclical,” says Sean Curley, the British oil painter. “They go in cycles of popularity and as people become really fed up with the global economic situation they look for something that cheers them up - the beauty of flowers makes them very happy,” he explains.