Grateful for Goals

A little while ago I bought a ecourse from the very talented artist Paulette Insall as I wanted to develop the faces of the ladies I depict in my paintings. It was one of my goals in the new year to make time to actually complete the series of sessions and I am so glad I did!  Paulette shows so many simple yet really effective tips and techniques in the course and even after completing just one portrait using her suggestions, I am so happy with the results! I can see the development in my style already!! So, huge thanks to Paulette! You are an inspiration!

I really enjoyed creating this piece. It took longer to look 'right' to me than some of my previous pieces, but I kept on working into it until I was happy with it. I especially loved using the inks to add drips and spray, and also my own handmade flower stamp in the background. I am amazed at how different the final piece looks to the start-the three birds were actually flowers in the beginning! And I love that the words look like they are being spoken by the bird! Happy accidents turning into beauty!

And am really loving too the sense of my paintings really being from a place of personal symbolism too-it is MY message to the world! My story! And I so love that!

Hope you enjoy!

xxx

Wooden Wings and a Dress on a Canvas.

My friend Jo came up to me the other day and asked me if I would like a pair of wooden wings she was getting rid of.  Of course the answer was a 'yes!' as I love wings! I wasn't sure where I would put these wings but I was sure I would find somewhere perfect! 

Over the weekend we celebrated my Father in Law's 80th birthday in Stratford. The family had booked a beautiful house for the weekend and we all had a lovely time.  The house itself is owned by  photographer, Danielle King and apart from being a gorgeous house, what struck me most was the artwork she had displayed round the house. It bought such personality to the home and really made an impression on me- I want the artwork I create to make an impression on the people who view it too!

 

So, today I am thankful for:
*Family gatherings
*Cousins playing
*Wooden wings
*Creative inspiration
*The courage to experiment and to make a statement
*Celebrations

My wooden wings

Unspeakable Joy.

'Joy! Unspeakable joy!

An overflowing well no tongue can tell

Joy! Unspeakable joy!

Rises in my soul never lets me go...'

The chorus of a Christmas Carol we sang this Christmas has stuck with me in this new year. In my quest for being thankful for all the gifts God gives us daily I am amazed at how the act of being purposefully thankful does indeed stir up joy within me.
So even this morning I looked a little harder at the start of the day and I thank. Joy rises up. And I thank again:

* My 5 year old exuberance and crazy love of life

*Giving of time to people instead of just rushing past
*Blue sky and cream clouds
*A bird flying past the window
*Writing down my thanks
*Pen and ink flowing across the page

I hope you have a joy filled day today!

Xxx