Artist
In therapy this week I allowed my inner 5 year old child to paint and she painted this abstract piece (and told a gruesome story about a butterfly and an ant). As she painted I realised I never liked making figurative images (except cartoon faces, which I drew loads of when I was a little older). I loved abstract art. I loved looking at the colours and the textures of the paint. I always have.
Continue reading “Why Abstract Art is Better Than Figurative Art”
You’re not good enough to do art at ‘O’ level.
Mr Yates, art teacher at Walton Girls’ High School, 1983
I’ve often wondered why I accepted Mr Yates’ statement as Truth when I was thirteen. I immediately stopped drawing and began a journal instead. I had a flash of insight yesterday whilst washing my hair (of all things): he’d stated I wasn’t good enough at identity level. “You’re not good enough.” It was like a magic spell. I believed him. I stopped.
Continue reading “You’re Not Good Enough to Do Art Said Mr Yates”
Here it is, folks, for you see – as plain as the nose on your face when you’re looking in a mirror. The Wonderful Long Term Effects of Practising Compassion:
As always, if you would like to purchase this drawing email me.
This drawing began as a mindfulness exercise to soothe me after stretching my comfort zone. I like the feel of the paper and the sound of the pen making dots. As I look at it I realise it’s a reflection of all the things I’ve been thinking about lately – spirituality, resonance, parts therapy, to name a few. More Than The Sum of Our Parts is for sale. If you’re interested in it or any other art I have for sale, email me.
You could win this limited edition photographic print on exhibition standard canvas paper! I took the photograph in Autumn 2020 when the sun was low in the sky, creating these lovely dramatic shadows. I edited the photograph using a layer that brings out the marks on my desk. I find the contrast of the natural object and my paint marks pleasing. Want to win this piece? Click here!
You can, of course, buy a print. There will be a maximum of 25 prints of this image, so if you’d like to get your hands on one, email me.
This photo shows the light of the setting sun on trees at Stanmer Park. I just love the orangey purple of the light on the branches and the contrasting areas of shade. As I walked through the woods I felt utter joy at the gorgeous display. It was incredibly cold but even so I felt I had to stand and gaze in places because my heart felt so full of beauty. I can feel myself getting ready to paint.
Continue reading “The Beauty of the Setting Sun”
This is my latest pigment pen drawing, Turning Over A New Leaf, which is for sale – email me if you’d like more information. My research into the phrase, “turning over a new leaf,” highlighted the assumption that often accompanies the intention to turn over a new leaf. Here’s a definition from Collins:
Continue reading “Turning Over A New Leaf”I’m excited to share with you what I’ve been working on this week. I’ve created a new print from a photograph I took of a leaf on my desk. I love the shadows cast by a low Autumnal sun. They’re spiky and dramatic. As I played with the settings in my editing app I was able to bring out the paint stains on my desk, some of which are barely visible to the naked eye.
Continue reading “Beautiful photograph giveaway coming soon”
Chalk pastels are one of my favourite art materials. I love the way they blend easily. This week I’ve been making drawings to create insights around self knowledge. The parts of my self that I’m focusing on are Small Me and Big Me. You can read more about them in my coaching blog post. Below are my images and the words I wrote about them in my journal. If you’d like to buy any of my images email me.
Continue reading “Images of the Self: Small Me and Big Me”
I feel so excited to share my new style of painting with you! Sunset Teardrop is an amalgamation of my non-verbal responses to childhood trauma and to the awe of sunsets. How strange that these two should come together in one painting. Or perhaps it’s not so strange…
Continue reading “Feeling Small in Awe and Vulnerability”