June Musings: It’s question time!
I am currently sat in my garden enjoying the sun and quiet whilst writing this month’s blog; I really do relish these moments of calm before the kids come bursting through the door and chaos resumes (I wouldn’t have it any other way!). This month has included a lovely family trip to Cornwall; it was so good to get away where we could just spend time together without a list of ‘jobs’. I’ve also been working hard on new pieces recently and I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being in my studio garden this time of year; its such a joy and I find it so inspiring working whilst being surrounded by trees and flowers and listening to the birds - bliss!
With everything ticking along nicely, I was really unsure what to write about this month and then I thought about the questions I often get asked during exhibitions. So, I thought I’d put myself out there a bit and answer them in my blog! So, here goes….
What is your process like?
When I get an idea or direction I’d like to explore (which is normally bird related) I firstly play around in my sketchbook. I sketch studies, research, plan and decide on colour swatches. If I work on panel boards I will sand and apply several coats of watercolour ground. Once these layers are dry I sketch my composition roughly in pencil and then when I’m happy I draw over this with a grey fine liner adjusting and adding more detail. I then rub out the pencil; I love this part as the panel is clean and smudge free with only my lines.
I add colour with watercolour to the panel sometimes tweaking the colour swatches in my sketchbook. I always think this is the messy stage as the colour washes are very basic with limited detail or variation. Finally, it’s time for the detail which I love and get completely lost in (a good really as it takes ages!). Once I am happy It’s time to paint the edges, apply lots of layers of spray varnish, title, date and sign it, paint and add the frame. Boom! Oh, then I photograph it, pop it on my website and promote it!
Why do you work in the medium you do?
I have tried different mediums but at the moment watercolours and pen work for me; they are how I imagine my pieces and what I love using. My work is all about detail, movement and interaction and I think the mediums I use translate this perfectly. I get really excited and obsessive when it comes to adding the pen, but I enjoy colour and prefer to work on top of colour rather than white paper or wooden panel and watercolour enables me to do this.
What brands do you use?
I received my Sennelier watercolour a couple of years ago and with these you definitely get what you pay for; they are such beautiful vibrant colours and have a creamy texture which make them just lovely to use.
I also use a Tom’s Studio Lumos pen which I would highly recommend. Previously, I used Uni Pin fine liners and I always felt terrible for throwing them away once they were empty and working on wood destroyed the nibs so I was going through them even faster. Tom’s Studio pen is reusable and refillable; you can change the nibs and reservoirs and therefore the ink colour. It also comes in different colours and now patterns so it’s also super pretty too!
How do you stay organised?
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a bit of a control freak! I love lists, like to be organised and prepared and find it uncomfortable when things are out of my control. When I was teaching I was known as a Tasmanian Devil; accept I left order in my wake and not chaos!
I have been using The Maker’s Yearbook for about 4years and I love it. I can plan and organise my weeks, which really helps me to maximise my time creating as well as have a target each month and review each year. The planner is made for me and it’s been so helpful in keeping me focused. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say if again, I would definitely recommend it!
How do you find inspiration?
In so many ways! I have been inspired by places such as Kew Gardens, the National Trust and also when walking my dog in the woods or by the flowers in my garden and the birds that visit. I also find inspiration when visiting galleries or exhibitions and books. I am constantly looking for it. The inspiration I look for is always within nature and something that I find beautiful whether its a bird, flower, leaf or colour; its anything that grabs my attention and makes me want to paint and draw it.
Why do you paint birds?
I get asked this all the time! Artistically, I think they are so interesting to draw with their feathers and colours and then they really do come in lots of different shapes and sizes so there is so much and so many to be inspired by.
For me, they also represent freedom and hope; freedom from restrictions, freedom from the awful things going on in the world, freedom from how people treat each other….there are so many things wrong in this world in so many levels and we are destroying the one thing that is right; nature. I think birds symbolise that there is hope and beauty in this world.
Why do you create art?
This one is simple; I love it and it makes me happy. If I’m focusing on the business side for a week I really miss creating. I often say my house is like a zoo with three children, one of whom is neurodiverse, a dog, two guinea pigs and a husband. Life is so busy and my art is my therapy; I get lost in the detail and it gives me a reset. I feel very lucky to have it.
What was the best piece of advice you have received?
When I started creating again and the kids were small I used to listen to the Laura Horn Art podcast and I always remember her advice to artist just starting out; ‘say yes to everything’. So, I did! I said yes to commissions, to designing signage for my local park, creating pet portraits for a local business, and illustrating six children’s books for neurodiversity. All of these opportunities pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me feel like a complete imposter but I am so glad I did them because they also built up my confidence, gave me experience doing different things and meant I met and worked with some amazing people. Whatever the opportunity, you never know where it might lead and ultimately it gets you ‘out there’!
I hope this has given you a bit of an insight into my art practice. If you have any questions you would like to ask fire away and I’ll do my best to answer them. See you next month!