Is Summer finally here?!

Hello friends :) I’m writing this on a day where the sun is shining (it’s 27 degrees!) and I’m feeling ever so happy and summery! The downside to this weather is that the conservatory that I call my ‘Studio’ is currently 39 degrees and impossible to paint in!! When I know that really hot weather is forecast, I get up super early and try to get a few hours of painting in before it gets too much to cope with. It’s got to that stage now, so its an excellent excuse to write my blog!

I’ve been working hard on my oil painting of cirencester Abbey grounds and now at the stage where I’m adding the last shadows and highlights here and there. It’s been a really fun process and a nice change to the usual seascapes I love to paint- mixing up lots of different greens has been very soothing. I feel there’s still quite a way to go before its finished (next focus is a little bench to be added in the foreground) but I’m pretty chuffed with it so far. I’ll be selling the original oil painting when its finished and also making some limited edition prints, so do let me know if you’d like to secure one :)

I took myself off to the Cotswold Lavender farm at the end of July, with the aim to take some new reference photos for a painting. I enjoyed painting my last lavender piece so much, that I want to recreate another, with a different perspective, incorporating the different range of lavenders on show there, from pale lilac, to white to the deeper, intense indigo. You will not believe how many photos I took, but I’ve got some real crackers and just know that they’ll help me to paint something pretty special. My phone is absolutely packed with reference photos, but I’ll keep adding to them, as you never know what might feel ‘right’ to paint and its great to know I have so much inspiration at the touch of a button.

Whilst I was at the lavender farm, I took the opportunity to do a bit of painting outside; just a simple half hour watercolour ‘sketch’ of the glorious wild flower fields that were in full bloom. To have the sun on my back, and to be surrounded by flowers, was heaven and almost allowed me to forget about the maddening crowds everywhere (note to self..do not go on a weekend again!). I’ve set myself a challenge for the next 6 months to sketch every single day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. Being able to sketch simply, quickly and accurately is so important but can so easily get overlooked (particularly when I’m itching to get painting or to start a brand new piece or to respond to orders..walk the dog..make a coffee..the list goes on). so, I’ll be posting my daily sketch on my Instagram account to hold myself accountable. Why not join me and sketch a little bit each day too? I’d love to be tagged in any sketches you complete :)

I’ve been doing my regular weekly Monday market at Cirencester’s Cornhall this month and have been painting whilst I’m there, to drum up interest and to also stop me from getting bored during quiet periods. During these market days I’ve been working on 2 acrylic paint pieces; one called ‘Porthmeor at dusk’ (on the left) and a rock and sea study too. Painting whilst being watched by passers by has been a real experience and has allowed me to have some really interesting discussions with people.

And finally, did you know that August is ‘Happiness Happens Month’?!

Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People (where do I sign up?!) decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.

Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. That kind of life doesn't exist. As the Stoics of Ancient Greece observed, happiness is all about the quality of your thoughts. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Don't limit yourself to searching for pleasure. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy- For me that’s painting, being outside in nature and seeing the joy my artwork brings to others.

To help celebrate all things happy, use code HAPPY10 when checking out on all unframed prints on my website for 10% off Another little reason to be happy this month  :)

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