Thursday 26 December 2013

Affinity

I hope everyone is having a great time over the holidays, we are heading for 2014 and a chance to renew resolutions. I have tried to paint true to what I want to express, which is not an easy task. For this coming year I hope to keep learning, exploring different mediums and techniques.
My overriding feeling is painting is a part of me, if I'm not painting I'm dreaming about painting, and when I'm painting I feel I'm in an altered state where worries, doubts, all of the disappointments don't exist. From when I can remember I have had the compulsion to create something, I tried my hand at many arts and crafts growing up. Resources were limited, clothes and shoes were hard enough to come by let alone art materials. I remember sitting by a village pond making little dishes out of the natural red clay in the soil before I was five.I've made quilts out of old clothes, collages, printing, calligraphy, sculpture, knitting, and more recently, cake decorating, and flower arranging.
 When we came to the UK and seeing illustrated children's books for the first time was just the most amazing experience of my life. It  felt like fireworks going off in my head, from then I could not get enough of the fairy tales and later on the classics like Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations.

Selling paintings has been a new experience over the last two years, the money has helped me to continue on my artists journey, I have been able to pay for art supplies, the odd trips to London museums and galleries. Not only that its a huge compliment when you know your painting is wanted, it gives me quite a buzz knowing that my paintings are on display all over the world, from London, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, to France, Holland, Italy, India, and all over the USA.

I am so grateful to all my blogging friends, your encouragement has been the highlight of the last three years. I wish you all good health and prosperity, to continue and learn from each other.
Affinity
Oil on canvas board 8"x8"
 

13 comments:

  1. Oh Azra, what a wonderful story, I'm so happy that you were able to pursue painting. This painting is just gorgeous, an amazing clementine and of course your roses are divine!

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  2. Another beauty Azra! I love your colorful shadows in this one. Thanks for sharing your life and art with us.

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  3. This has to be the most heartfelt and wonderful New Year sentiment I've read and that you've been able to expand your life in that direction is just wonderful. I may have to quote you about the "altered state" when painting. So, so very true. I have an affinity for orange and so agree with Karen. The clementine is stunning and balances out the roses so nicely.

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  4. Thank you, Azra, for such a lovely post. Your friends above have said it all really! However, I'm sure I speak for all of us in thanking you for your generosity in sharing so much with us. Your posts are eloquent and your paintings are beautiful treats to behold - I'm so glad you post regularly and that your work has gone global.
    With regard to your altered state, a friend and I were recently laughing at the fact that when we are painting and someone and asks a question, it is initially difficult to articulate anything. We decided we couldn't both
    be mad but rather that, each time, we move over to the right side of our brains - a very happy place!
    Wishing you an enjoyable 2014 with even more success. I'm going to view your exhibition soon and hope we can catch up soon too.
    Sharon

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  5. Azra, you are such a beautiful person....your paintings reveal that....and the sentiments you so clearly expressed show that your creative spirit is also a talent of written thoughts. I feel that knowing your art is a special gift to myself and others and I am glad to that you find such joy in it. I hope the new year brings you much happiness :-)

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  6. You art journey is inspiring Azra, keep up the good work, I look forward to your creative new year!

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  7. Thankyou so much for all your comments and heartfelt wishes, I feel truly blessed. : )

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  8. Dear Azra . How nice to get to know you a little better ! I am glad your wonderful paintings get the rightful success they should get, always enjoy your colorful and rich stroked works. Love this flower composition with the beautifully painted mandarin. Wish you all the best in the 2014 ! xx

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  9. This is a beautiful, heartfelt post, Azra! I have enjoyed following you these past three years, and feel like we are sharing this beautiful art journey together. I wish you all the best, and continued success for 2014.

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  10. Beautiful post, beautiful painting, from a beautiful blogging friend !!!
    Wishing you a wonderful and creative 2014 🎨🎉🎊

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  11. I wish you for 2014 joy, happiness and health. I am very happy for you that "recognition" is finally here. Creation is part of you, it is obvious, and it is a real passion. Thanks Azra and continues to share with us your creations on this blog.

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  12. Affinity. That's a perfect word! Thanks for the beautiful painting and beautiful words this morning!

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  13. Thank you for sharing your story, Azra. I have enjoyed watching you grow over these few years, you have obviously worked so hard, putting your soul into each painting. I am in awe of your flower paintings......not an easy subject, and your jars are always painted so beautifully. Thank you for being an inspiration to others and for all of your encouragement!

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Thankyou so much for taking the time to comment, its always a pleasure receiving each and every one.