I've Only Gone & Done It!
And there wasn't much hesitation either...once I set my mind to it..
Yup! Cliché or not, it’s definitely a phrase that’s been in my thoughts lately…
This summer - can we call it that? As I type, the weather is wall to wall grey cloud, raining, cold…and this is July? Anyhow, back to what I was saying; this summer seems to be one of reflection for me.
Even before taking stock of my work, and realising, thankfully, I had several finished pieces, (apart from framing), ready for the Melbourne (Derbyshire) Arts Festival in September, I was ruminating ‘things’. I’ve had a feeling of being on the cusp of ‘something’ for a while, but I can’t quite grasp it; it’s floating just out of reach.
I’m a member of the Connected Artist Club run by the lovely Alice Sheridan; it’s a wonderfully informative, supportive group and I continue to learn a lot from it. The Club’s recent focus has been this book:
Now, here’s where I have to admit to being sceptical about the ‘Law of Attraction’, ‘Visualisation,’ ‘Manifestation’ schools of philosophy- my OH calls me an ‘old cynic’, and that the reason it hasn’t worked for me is because I don’t ‘truly believe’…
And yet, I found this book fascinating; reading how the brain operates, and how Swart thinks it possible to alter our entrenched behaviours certainly made me pause. Yes, there is the ‘Action Board’ exercise as she calls it, rather than ‘Vision Board’ - but, seeing how it fits in with her overall premise, makes more sense to me.
I returned to the Vision Board I’d created earlier in the year:
I’ve been giving it a lot of thought.
Not from a viewpoint of specific numbers or box-ticking; rather from a sense of ‘how do I want to feel’, ‘how do I want my life to look.’
Thoughts and ideas float around, but they’re nebulous; just out of reach.
So, I came to a decision; I could carry on bumbling around trying to find a way…
…or I could ask for help. Paying for, and being open to coaching/mentoring is a huge deal for me, but this phrase has also been circling around in my brain:
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” - Henry Ford
…so something had to change.
What followed could either be described as the Universe having a laugh at my expense, a result of manifestation, or right person, right time: someone I respect, Jo McCarthy, posted a recommendation for a coach/mentor…
However it came about, I found myself having a quick chat with Elaine at Studio 1850, and then booking some mentoring with her. No procrastinating, no dithering, no shilly-shallying; I just pressed the button and booked my slot. This time next week, I’ll have had my first session! I’ll admit to a few nerves, but there’s also an air of anticipation; that, together, we will be able to move me forward in the direction I want to go! Watch this space!
And talking of changes and progress… well, progress on the new art studio is slow…
…but as I constantly remind myself, it is progress nonetheless!
Building of the studio has been switched around; it just made sense to get all the hard landscaping for the garden done before construction. All of the new fencing has been erected and stained, laying of paving slabs is ongoing, and the studio base is prepped ready for the concrete pour this Saturday.
We only have weekends to carry out the work, and we’re trying to fit it in with holidays (all lovely), family time (again, all wonderful!!) and general life stuff, hence why it’s taking longer. But, it’s exciting to see it develop, and to start to visualise what the finished garden/studio will look like. I’m already thinking of how I want the interior to look - so if you have any tips/must haves for studios, do let me know!!
“No matter how slow your progress, each new week is filled with tiny steps forward. Be proud of yourself.”
Full on painting might be on hold for now, but, if I do feel the need to paint something, or only have a short amount of time, I always find this exercise fits the bill and it often leads to a longer painting session or an idea for future development.
This is a short clip from a longer video over on my YouTube channel… If you enjoy my videos, please consider subscribing to my channel, or just drop a line in the comments - all really appreciated!!
By the way, when doing the stock take, I came across these small artworks measuring 7” square; watercolour and ink studies inspired by the north Norfolk coast.
I held an impromptu Flash sale on IG, resulting in the sale of Nos. 1-3. Nos 4-10 are still available at £30 each, which includes UK shipping; there is an extra shipping charge for overseas customers. If you would like to purchase, please drop me a line…
Until next time, happy painting!
Can’t wait to see what your new studio will look like. I hope the coaching session is illuminating and helpful!
Well done for being so brave and pressing send! That is a very positive step and it sounds as though you are ready for new adventures. II really hope it helps. I am intrigued by the book and, like you, I am very skeptical. I love the Henry Ford quote and will place it somewhere prominent!