Keith Boldy

Pencil Portrait Artist. specialising in people & Horse portraits please use link to view my work Random DM's

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

New portrait..titled "Millennium Woman", size 16x12ins. 

After two recent drawings of 18th-century women, I wanted to capture modern confidence. Bare feet, a relaxed pose, a direct gaze. The floral tattoo is very much now and non-negotiable. It is her story on her terms.

Medium, Cretacolor Nero pencils on 200gsm Ryland art paper. The velvety blacks from the Nero pencils made all the difference for the hair and shadows while keeping the skin tones luminous.
#PencilPortrait #ContemporaryRealism #CretacolorNero #RylandPaper #FigureDrawing #MillenniumWoman #ArtistOnInstagram #UKArtist #DrawingOfTheDay #KeithBoldyArt

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@crichton23912 I'm sorry for your loss Susan

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@ffinlaysonart Don't thank me, Fiona, thank you. Your work is incredible

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

A wonderful talent

[Fiona Finlayson Art @ffinlaysonart]

A pair of needle felted Beagles!

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

Fabulous needle felting, these look so real by needle felter
Fiona Finlayson

[Fiona Finlayson Art @ffinlaysonart]

A weekend of needle felting Border terriers - hope they work out like these!

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@julielhuff On the bright side, it's good for the gardens, Julie..

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

Not my Daily Diary 
Thursday, June 4th, 2026

#DementiaAwareness 

It was one of those damp, grey mornings where the rain drummed against the windows, and my bed was whispering sweet temptations to have a lie in. But I resisted, as I always do. There’s too much to get on with.

I got on with the housework first, then the laundry, and I was just about to tackle the ironing mountain when I noticed the rain had eased. Quick as a flash, I swapped my indoor clothes for the scruffy gardening clothes, complete with a battered coat against the chilly wind, and went outside. The sky still looked threatening, with its dark clouds, but I was determined to make the most of the dry moment.

I managed to pot up ten African Daisies and six trailing geraniums, plus a decent amount of weeding. Only nine Daisies left to go now, but it is not going to end here. though at this rate, I might have to start selling organs on the black market!

Unfortunately, the rain returned with a vengeance and brought gardening to a soggy halt.

I felt a bit deflated that I didn’t finish the planting, but the forecast is promising more sunshine this weekend, so I’m hopeful we’ll finally complete this floral odyssey by Sunday.

I came inside, had a welcome hot shower, and gently woke Chris. 

Chris got up and dressed today, no onesie. We had an important home visit with Alzheimer’s UK at 1.30, but from noon onwards, it became an exercise in patience. Chris settled in the lounge, watching another episode of Chateau DIY, while I wore a groove in the carpet pacing. Then I had a call, their previous meeting had overrun, so ours was cancelled. It’s now been rescheduled for next Wednesday.

It’s strange how a day with so much potential can still end up feeling like time slipping through your fingers, especially when there’s always so much to do. 

Still, dinner lifted the spirits. I made bubble and squeak, Chris’s favourite served with a steak pie. I had a backup plan to give her an extra bubble and squeak if she left the pie, but there was no need. She cleared her plate.

The evening has stretched out, as they often do. We’ve binged all our usual shows, so finding something new that Chris will settle into is becoming something of an Olympic sport. Tonight’s lineup ended up being "MasterChef," "Coronation Street," and George Clarke’s "Beautiful Builds."
Riveting stuff.

Still, we’re here, we’re together, and the planting is slowly getting there, despite the weather’s best efforts.

Have a lovely evening or day, wherever you are in the world.

Keith and Chris xx

[SnuvNestLiving @SnuvNestLiving]

Beat the heat with the ultimate summer toy for dogs! Splash, play, and stay cool for hours. Tap the video to shop now.

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

It was a pleasure Francis..

[Francis @editor7z]

@ktboldy Thank you so much for sharing this! 🙏❤️ It means the world to see your cover out in the world like this -this was such a joy to design!
For anyone seeing this - I create professional book covers, audiobooks, book trailers, and social media banners for authors.

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@AnneHenvey That's fine, you are qualified to complain about the weather then.

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

Not my Daily Diary
Tuesday 2nd June 2026

#DementiaAwareness

Here we are, only the second day of summer, which has arrived with barely a whisper, let alone a fanfare. We had such heavy, persistent rain through the night that by morning, the garden was already well and truly drenched, no extra watering was needed from me today, which saved me an hour. Going out to plant first thing, the air still felt damp, with a biting chill, so I was glad to put on my warm coat before I picked up a trowel.
Yesterday, I’d only managed to plant 10 African Daisies, today, with a little more go in me and a touch more time, I got 20 planted into the pots. I was lucky to have an hour and a half extra to myself before I needed to wake Chris, as Mandy, Chris’s hairdresser, was due at 10.30, giving me far more time outdoors than usual. The temperature climbed to 17°C, so it was far from summery warmth, but warm enough to lose myself in the work.

Mandy arrived promptly and worked her usual magic, finishing Chris’s hair around 12.30. She looked absolutely lovely afterwards, with soft golden blonde curls, Chris was so pleased with the result. I wish I could do that for Chris on a daily basis..

Before Mandy left, we booked her next visit for July. After a busy morning bent over pots on my work top, I dashed indoors for a quick shower, then put on a cheerful flowery patterned shirt and a pair of shorts, dressing for the weather as it had warmed up a little. If you’re going to walk into a pub dressed like that, you’ve got to keep your sense of humour, and I’ve got plenty of that. Chris and I then headed out to The Old Gate at Heathton, one of our favourite spots. We settled under the awning on our favourite couch, sheltered but still able to feel the soft breeze. Chris enjoyed a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, while I treated myself to a pint of Bathams real ale and we shared a bowl of chips between us. It was just perfect.

 Before long, we were joined by Julie who’d commissioned the portrait of Lilly I shared online just last week. She’d come to tell me just how overjoyed Lilly’s mother had been when she received the portrait, apparently, it had brought happy tears and a lot of happiness to the whole family. Hearing news like that fills my heart with pride, there’s no feeling quite like knowing something you’ve created with your own hands can bring so much joy to someone else. We didn’t stay too long, though, Chris soon said she was ready to go home, but not before we stopped off at the Pavilion Garden Centre first. I was after even more flowers! I need 20 trailing geraniums to plant with the African Daisies I’ve just planted. I know, I must be a glutton for punishment, adding more work for myself, but I love our garden and losing myself working in it. When the blooms are in full glory later this summer, it will all be worth it. We rarely sit out in the garden these days, and when we do, it’s only briefly, but there is nothing I love more, than wandering through the garden daily , taking all the beautiful, glowing colours which do lift my spirits so much.

 Back home again, the sky was putting on its usual British summer show of, quick sharp showers. Later in the afternoon, a friend who works as an electrician popped round to have a look at an issue with one of the sockets in the garage. After checking it thoroughly, he sadly couldn’t work out exactly what was wrong, so he couldn’t fix it today. I’ll need to sort out what happens next, it’s a necessary job as neither the waterfall is my favourite spot in the garden, or the fountain is running, 

 For dinner, I cooked something simple but delicious, poached smoked haddock, served with a baked potato and a milk sauce. An enjoyable  meal to round off the day. After yesterday’s low spell, today felt a lot better proof that even when things feel overwhelming, there’s always something to lift your spirits

Have a lovely evening or day wherever you are in the world
Keith and chris xx

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

Book cover designer
Francis

[Francis @editor7z]

Grit. Tension. A world on the edge of collapse. This cover tells a full story before chapter one. I create covers that position your book exactly where it belongs right at the top of the genre. 💥 Ready to elevate your project? DM me.

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@badbadger86 I really do appreciate your support Pia, thank you for being here

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@Vanoudenhaegen It's a pleasure Linda thank you for being here and reading it. It's you that motivates me to write it. x

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@BlueZephyr19 With both of your health issues, you have to take every precaution. Lew... you can't leave anything to chance.
I think it's great you are not letting your guard down.
Take care the both of you.

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

Not my Daily Diary
Friday, May 29th, 2026

#DementiaAwareness

 Despite the warm weather, we both had a really good night’s sleep, though I kept waking up, with one eye on the clock, knowing I had to be up at 6.30 am. We had a big day planned, a trip to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with our group Dementia Singing with Friends. We were meeting at 9.15am to catch the minibus taking us there, and there was plenty to get done before then. My first priority was watering all the bedding plants, which took 45 minutes. I got that done, only to spot yet more empty pots waiting to be filled! It really does feel never-ending, but they’ll have to wait until the weekend, our day was already packed full.

I’d planned to wake Chris at 8.15am  and what a different person I found from yesterday’s angel! It was definitely ‘Grumpy’ who I woke up this morning; Chris really isn’t a fan of being woken up early these days. We only had an hour before we needed to leave, and while I did think I should have woken her sooner, I just didn’t dare risk it. Then, to add to the rush, three of the acrylic nails I’d carefully put on her only last night came loose and had to be redone  I’m blaming the glue!

"Boldys Beauty Boutique" went into full swing. I’d already laid out her dress and shoes ready, so after fixing the nails, I did her makeup and styled her hair. That hour absolutely flew by, and before I knew it, I still wasn’t even ready myself! Though I suppose it didn’t take me long, I’m naturally good-looking, after all…ahem! 😂

 We arrived at the meeting point in Wombourne with plenty of time to spare. The journey to Wolverhampton is only about twenty minutes, but even in that short time, the party had already started, Chris was leading us all in song, joined by Lynda, Pat and Barrie, who were travelling with us.

Our destination was the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Dementia Café, such a wonderful, friendly gathering held in their Encore Lounge. It runs from 10am until 12pm, is free to attend, and offers live entertainment, refreshments and such a cosy, safe, supportive space for people living with dementia and their carers to come together, share time and enjoy themselves.

 We were treated to the delightfully talented Darcie Edwards, who was absolutely brilliant! She created such a joyful, party atmosphere right from the very start, opening with an Ella Fitzgerald number, she soon had everyone up dancing. After having met Ella Fitzgerald It brought back a wonderful memory for me. She kept that lively, happy spirit going all morning, singing all those much-loved hits from the 50s and 60s. We danced and sang our way through the whole time, and honestly, we had the best of mornings. It was exactly what we needed.

 We were looked after wonderfully well by Dawn and the rest of the Dementia Café team. They’re a mix of paid staff and dedicated volunteers, and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. They are kind, attentive, and make everyone feel so welcome and cared for. We really couldn’t enjoy these lovely mornings without them. They do such special, precious work.

 In the afternoon, after a perfect, uplifting start to the day, we headed off to do our usual weekly grocery shop at Morrisons. It being Friday, it had to be done! Everything went smoothly enough, but I have to say, it felt quite the anticlimax. Going from singing, dancing, and laughter to walking the aisles picking up groceries was quite a come down!

Back at home, I unpacked and cooked dinner, eggs, sausage chips, and beans, and Chris cleared her plate, and whenever I told her what we were eating each time , it was in song

 Have a lovely evening or day, wherever you are in the world.

Keith and Chris xx

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@lmwindmill Thank you for your support Lisa-Marie x

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@Hania16836 @lmwindmill Domino

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@PreetiAppu I've got to learn this now, Preeti. This a lovely comment, thank you

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@BeatriceCloake Thank you Beatrice she does scrub up well. x

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@AnneHenvey Your weather sounds very much like ours, Anne.
Are you like the brits we complain when we have too much su then complain when it rains... x

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@LoCoSketchbook I think it may be too late Carol, it broke me as a boy, but I'm a stronger adult because of the past.

[Keith Boldy @ktboldy]

@LoCoSketchbook Thank you, Carol, I love her, it makes it so much easier x