Wednesday 29 November 2017

Finding A Way

I have been finding a way to paint abstract landscapes,  I think I am making headway. There is a long way to go, these challenges we set ourselves are never easy, but the harder it is the better the satisfaction at the end.

My path to becoming a professional artist has so far taken me just over seven years and I feel that I am nearly there. The hard part has been finding the time, I work fulltime as a self employed caterer, its physical hard work and long hours, which leaves me with little time or energy for what I love to do best. Still, I count my blessings everyday, my kids, my husband, my cats, a warm home. Art is a bonus, a huge bonus, it keeps me sane when I worry too much about anything, gives me hope that there will come a time when I can get up in the morning and just paint. Just the shear joy of being inspired by a bunch of flowers in a vase, how the light shines from the water and how day by day the flowers change colour and drop petals.
I have my bad days. when I can't move forward with what I am trying to paint, or I'm not being paid what I think I deserve, or huge delays in payment, if I was dependent on my art alone I would have starved long ago. Its not fair that people who work are paid a regular wage and yet they can delay paying you just because its art. Not being valued does affect me, however much I try to not let it. It knocks my confidence and, because I rely on what I sell to finance anything art related, such as materials, entering competitions, visiting galleries and museums.
Anyway, that's enough griping for today. : )  I hope you all have a great week.
Finding A Way
oil on paper

Friday 17 November 2017

Gratitude

This is the view from our back garden and I am grateful for this view everyday.


Gratitude
oil on canvas board
8"x 10"

Sunday 12 November 2017

Rest 1 and 2

I have called these paintings rest because painting them felt  peaceful and totally chilled out.

This song reminds me of school days, not the best time in my life, but the music was good.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37w42Bfsv3E

Rest
oil on paper
10" x 10"


Rest 2
oil on paper
10"x 10"

Saturday 4 November 2017

A Net of Love Day 4

Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Quote by Mother Theresa

Bouquet of Flowers
watercolours
seawhite sketchbook

Friday 3 November 2017

Unripe Figs, Fallen Leaf on Day 3

I'm not following World Watercolor Group challenge to the letter , but I am enjoying creating a sketch a day.

Our fig tree is preparing for autumn, the leaves are falling and the second lot of figs have not ripened, I don't think the UK is warm enough for a second harvest. I thank God for this climate everyday, I love how it changes and I particularly love the rain.

Inripe Figs, Fallen Leaf on Day 3
Seawhite sketchbook

Thursday 2 November 2017

Sweet Pomegranates

Day two of this watercolour challenge run by World Water Color Group  for November.


Sweet Pomegranates
watercolour challenge for November
Seawhite sketchbook

Green Park

I have never taken so much time over finishing a painting, was it worth it? I think so, I am satisfied that I have given this subject my best. However, what I really want to do now is paint in a way that is new, a new song, in a manner of speaking.

Green Park
oil on board
8"x 10

Wednesday 1 November 2017

Windfall

Its a new month and I feel motivated to start sketching again.


Windfall
watercolour sketch