I'm not having a tantrum...

I'm just doing things my way!

I’ve been thinking about this quote a lot lately whilst painting…

Summer Solstice, mid-point of the year, is rapidly approaching. My social media feed is full of exhortations to check my goals and targets, see how I’m doing, what worked well, what needs adjusting, check in with how I’m feeling and so on… And, do you know…

I just don’t want to!

Don’t get me wrong. I know that, if this art of mine is to be a business, then having a plan with aims and goals etc., is necessary. For giving direction, for keeping on track.

BUT, after months of seemingly aimless painting, I’ve finally stumbled onto a subject I’m enjoying developing. I’m in the flow. I can’t wait to race to the studio in the morning - a feeling that has been somewhat lacking in recent times.

Do I need an in-depth check-in to tell me that sales haven’t been great and that subscriber numbers remain static? NO.

I used to worry that people would think that I wasn’t very business-minded if I didn’t have a plan, or a marketing strategy, or a social media strategy; if it’s all bit random, then how can she be serious?

I am serious. And I’m making a decision based on what’s right for me at this moment in time.

I’m going to focus on ‘going with the flow’ that’s happening in the studio right now. I’m going to enjoy developing this floral series; to see where it takes me. That, right there, is what’s important for me; enjoyment.

And, as that enjoyment flows from my brush and onto the paper, everything else will follow. That’s my belief. That’s my decision.

“June is the time for being in the world in new ways, for throwing off the cold and dark spots of life.” – Joan D. Chittister

Let’s just embrace the light and warmth of June. Let’s flourish in the soft-blush apricot sunsets, the dancing cow parsley, the buzzing bees, the returning swifts, the waving cornfields, the distant call of the buzzards, the perfume of roses…

Talking of the florals:

I look forward to showing you the ‘finished’ pieces soon!

What else has been capturing my attention this week;

• The ‘pigmentsandmood’ Instagram account: filled with wonderful watercolour florals, and reels that I find very meditative!!

• The work of artist Meg Hamilton - there’s something about the asemic writing/calligraphic nature of the work that appeals to me!

• And this email was a wonderful surprise; I’d forgotten that I’d even applied!!

  

  And, just to confirm, that’s Melbourne, Derbyshire, UK - not Melbourne, Australia, as much as I’d like it to be!!

  

  And lastly, this poetry recitation by Lisa Dwan of ‘What If’ by Sheenagh Pugh gave me goosebumps…

  Let’s enjoy where the road takes us, and, until next time, happy painting!