Navigating an artist's life...
Or should that just be 'life in general' with all of its ups & downs?
Almost three months into 2024 - how’s it going for you? Cards on the table time, it’s a bit hit and miss with me. Some days I’m full of energy and keen to ‘get s**t done!’, and others, well, let’s just say, I’m overcome with lethargy…which is mainly on the days when it seems as if I’ve been painting/writing/promoting etc…and getting nowhere fast.
The studio is full of flowers…
…but nothing seems to have ‘clicked’ yet. I’m still experimenting, which I know, takes time. But then I get frustrated with myself that I haven’t produced a ‘masterpiece’. Yup, that old vicious circle!
Equally frustrating is the ‘business’ side of things. The enthusiasm of the new year, with all of its plans and goals, begins to pall, when growth and sales are slow. I know this is just a phase, and I will work my way through it…but sometimes, wouldn’t it be great to take a BIG step forward instead of creeping along…In the meantime, whilst I’m waiting for that BIG leap, I’ll keep this in mind:
“Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity.” Bruce Lee
Talking of vicious circles; it’s all too easy, when that lethargy sets in, to give up on those things that feed my creative well. Exercise and eating well are usually the first to go. And that leads to the circle spiralling out of control…
So, I have been making a concerted effort to resume my daily walks. And, once outdoors, I remember why this is so vital. The quietening of the busy mind, the pausing of the never-ending to-do lists; instead, the rhythm of walking, focusing on the present, noticing…
Even today, when the sky is a blanket of grey and the cold wind brings tears to my eyes, there is so much that catches my attention. Young stands of blackthorn, their spindly stems bedecked with starbursts of blossom. Hawthorn; its frothy clusters emerging amidst the leaves. Distant echoes of geese. Lambs, their plaintive bleats carried on the wind. Silver birch trees, bright green leaves dancing, fluttering in the breeze. More noticeable this morning, as I walk across the farmland, the skylark overhead; singing repeatedly, no matter the weather. As I head home through the village, magnolia trees cling doggedly to their goblets. And lines from Housman come to mind, as I round the corner and see, in a sheltered spot:
“Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.”A.E Housman
Other things that have been catching my attention;
I just love the vibe of this Instagram account - countyroadliving - such beautiful images, so calm and filled with the gentle palettes that I like!
This book, ‘In The Mood For Colour’ by Hans Blomquist (& recommended by Janette Phillips)
I know it’s all about interiors but it’s full of the most glorious images, with lots of inspiration for colour combinations…
For an ‘ink’ lover like me, this YouTube channel by Elizabeth Daggar has lots of great videos! And she uses a concertina sketchbook - which is a double bonus!!
Although not art-related, this YouTube channel, Kokohome, is great for demonstrating how to be on camera without necessarily pitching yourself front and centre - wonderful for those of us who struggle to show our faces!!
Not normally a huge lover of still-life paintings, I nevertheless, find the work of Ans Debije beautiful; the simplicity of composition and her brush marks are just gorgeous!
I’ve also fallen in love with this watercolour ‘Perylene Violet’ by Michael Harding (I purchased mine from Jacksons Art). It’s just perfect for tulips!
A typical studio session, starting as always, with coffee. I seem to be in the mood for mixing things up at the moment. A new concertina sketchbook prompted me away from the flowers; recent walks across the fields, memories of the changing scenery of the barley and wheat fields, led to a desire to make marks and ‘pictorial’ notes. And to a reversion to my usual muted palette. Trying not to overthink, or to be too judgemental. These early pages felt very calm, very measured…and in being so, I feel lost some of my usual expressive qualities. Who said not to be judgemental!! Over the next pages, I might consider putting a time limit on; knowing I only have 2-3 minutes per page should stop too much ‘deliberating’! I’ll let you know how it goes!
I’ll leave you with these lines by Milton - a great reminder that the sun always rises in the morning…
“So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed
And yet anon repairs his drooping head.
And tricks his beams, and with her new-spangled ore,
Flames in the forehead of the morning star.”
Lines 168-171 Lycidas, John Milton
Just to let you know that there won’t be a post next week as I’ll be taking a break next week for the holidays - wishing you all A Happy Easter!!
Until next time,
P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on the link/s and subsequently make a purchase, I will receive a small percentage commission.
I really like the perylene violet tulips. They could definitely be taken further
Love how you’ve started the tulips. They look like they’re emerging from a block.
I recently bought a few MH watercolours, they’re stunning. Their quinacradine gold is stunning. I also love their sunset orange and lake green but I think you’d find them too colourful. I believe you’re more into muted colours?