Blank Canvas Waiting...

Morning tea...

I have to have tea when I wake up...  Yep, I know that hot water and lemon or just hot water would be so much better for me.  But I am a total out and out 'tea girl'. It has to be in a special mug too...  I have various mugs for different times of the day - weird but true!  Is anyone else so 'A' type about their tea?  

Over the weekend, lack of tea bags snuck up on me!  Total mayhem!  I was in that tea cupboard, well, very quickly shall we say.  I did manage to find some rogue 'bags' that we had been given at Christmas time. Phew!!  My husband saw this process taking place and he said it wasn't pretty.  In case you are wondering, this happened at night, so no shops open (it is the UK and a small village at that you know)... ha, ha.

So, my new painting is called 'Morning tea...'.  It sums me up to a 't or tea' shall we say (sorry for the pun - it was intended!)  My three big must haves in life are: tea, contemplation time and flowers.  What could be better? (I do have other 'life requirements' too but these are biggies). 

etsy shop

What drink or food item could you not be without first thing in the morning?  

Source: theviolethours.typepad.com via Lori on Pinterest

 

 

I love the photo above, btw!

Source: janeaustengiftshop.co.uk via Beth on Pinterest

 

Thinking of the photo above, do you use loose tea?  I have not regularly had loose tea since my Granny was alive.  She used to read the 'tea leaves' that got left behind - you know the dregs, she called them.  I was fascinated.  She would 'see' boats, people, events for the future - of course this was totally enthralling for a seven year old.   

Anyway, happy 'tea making'.  Hope you like my new painting...

J.Hi. xo

Video of Jane Sketching....

Just thought I would share a little video I made of some recent sketching that I've done.  Just bits of foliage that I collected from my walk with Mia the other day.  I think it's so important to keep sketching things from your day to day life that inspire or touch you... 

All it takes it just trusting your instincts, not listening to your inner critic analysing your work and to just make a start...  Go with your intuition and trust the flow...

 

I used pen and watercolours for these sketches.  

Hope this week ahead finds you well (it is Sunday night here).  

J.Hi xo

 

Unfurling - 20% Etsy Sale on everything!

Just enter UNFURLING - (the coupon code name) for 20% off everything in my Etsy store.  When you come to pay, it will ask for any coupon codes - so just enter it then...  My Etsy Store.    

Bird series -  fine art mounted prints

This morning I went for a walk with Mia (see a pic of her 'ladyship' below) after the school drop off and was just bowled over by the sight of these ferns 'unfurling' by the road side.  I get really carried away by stuff like this and it just gives me a real sense of joy.  So, I got my camera phone out and started snapping away.  Mia hates it when I do this.  She always pulls on the lead and so I end up having to stand on the lead to keep my hand steady whilst I take the photo.  Mia puts this look on her face like '....here we go again - she's got the camera again.  When can we just get on with the walk? Or, '..Hello, I'm here remember....'.  In other words, she gets grumpy...  

ferns - 'unfurling...' - from my walk with Mia this morning

Mia 'ladyship' aka 'diva dog'

So, all of this snapping of photos got me thinking of spring - the 'unfurling' of new life.  New life literally of lambs, birds etc. but also warm weather (well, you have got to have the faith), more time enjoying the outdoors, having picnics, bbq's and the seeing of friends and family.  

Of course spring is also a time of new beginnings, new horizons and welcoming in the new.  So, with this in mind, I have decided to do a mini sale of ALL my artwork and hope that you see something that inspires you this spring!

Here's to spring!

J.Hi xo

 

Memory Monday - me as a little girl of eight, writing...

For about two years now I have been writing a journal and blog.  I've always heard that writing was therapeutic, cathartic and releasing but never took that on board for myself somehow.  It's only been recently, that I have begun to really take it more seriously and now I try to make the practice or writing/journalling a regular part of daily life.

one of my recent journal pages

It's like a gift to myself.  It's where I can explore feelings and emotions, write down memories, sketch something without anyone else seeing it, its uncensored, messy, raw, beautiful and its all me!   I can stick photos in, slip in cards or notes I've received when I want somewhere to keep them.  When one of my children say something that tickles me, I write it down in my journal (when I have it handy!).  

There isn't any pressure with this.  I push that 'inner critic' to one side and firmly tell it to 'get lost'.  There also isn't a right or wrong way to do it either.  Sometimes I might write one word, one sentence or a few pages.  Other times I may just add (and often do), random colour from my palette when I am working on a painting.  Or, I'll stick down papers, fabric, lace etc and then embellish it however I want to.  I'm not making it pretty for anyone else but me.  That is such a fantastic concept to me!

It's just so freeing and wonderful...

Anyway, back to the title of the post.  My memory of writing when I was eight years old...

I was at school and it was spring time.  We had each collected daffodils from outside and had returned to the classroom with them clutched between our little fingers. Then, we were given yellow card and coloured pencils on which to draw our daffodil anyway we wanted.  Then underneath our drawing, we had to write a poem about the daffodil again, anyway we wanted...

I still remember that exercise so vividly as if it were yesterday...  I remember really looking at the flower and writing how I felt about it.  What it meant to me and attempting to describe its beauty.  I was amazed at how intently and adoringly I wrote about this little flower.  I remember too, drawing it affectionately and with such love.

Afterwards, I read that poem out loud to the class and showed my drawing and I was just awestruck by what I had written.  It was beautiful and it came from ME!  

We all have such wellsprings of creativity and love inside of us.  It doesn't matter whether you can draw, paint or write eloquently (to your mind)... What matters is that you just put some of this stuff, your thoughts etc. on paper - it's powerful!  This then becomes a springboard for all sorts of creative endeavours, insights, memories and healing etc.  

One woman who writes about her life beautifully is Liz Lamoreux - be present, be here, on her blog.  She also has a book out which I own and adore.  It is called Inner Excavation.

Another book I go to a lot is by Natalie Goldberg - Writing down the bones...

Lots of love,

J.Hi xx

 

The good earth - NEW Paintings!

I just wanted to update you with some new paintings that I have just completed.  They are abstract landscapes with trees.  Wild, vibrant colour with oodles of texture, iridescence and boldness.  They are eight inches square, with a depth of 1.5" on artists wooden panels.    

The good earth I

I used a palette knive (mainly) to apply the paint and it felt so good applying it!  Like spreading butter on toast...  There is such a feeling of decadence and glee - feels fantastic!  I had such fun with the colour and the layering of glazes.  There are lots of texture in the paintings and this is a necessity for the most part in my work and these are no exception.  

The good earth II

The sides are painted black and all are signed.  At Etsy at the moment, there is FREE postage for a limited period on my original paintings. 

The good earth III

Can you see that gorgeous texture and iridesence?  

Side view of 'The good earth III'

I hope you like these...

Have a wonderful weekend. 

J xo

 

 

Adventures in 'Un-Clogging' My Head!

Is your head clogged up with STUFF!  On a day to day basis, I have so many thoughts, ideas, emotions, images etc. in my head that it can be exhausting to say the least!  I'm guessing though that I'm not the only one with this constant muddle of stuff flying around my head though???  

So, for me, writing some of it down, scribbling, drawing, painting or just laying down colour, sticking things on paper that I like or feel some connection to really, really helps.  I can tell even now as I type this, I have so many thoughts, words and it just comes tumbling out... - it's lovely to therefore release some of it..  What a relief!

I also know that you don't have to be an 'Artist' for this to work for you.  Anyway, we are all artists really, we have just forgotten this.  We knew this when we were little children but then our inner-critic, society + ego took over and said we were 'rubbish'.  Well, it just isn't so...  We all have something to say whether publicly or not.  It's healing, satisfying, meditative, FUN, liberating, freeing, releasing........, contemplative and so, so many other things.  Just give it a go...  

I am going to have my mum over soon and we are going to do some of this fun stuff together, along with my boys.  She is desperate to do something creative (and has been for years) but is just too scared...  So, we decided we will give it a go and I am going to help her overcome her fears about this...  I'll keep you posted with photos/post when it happens (might not be for a couple of weeks).  

New Life....  - Original Acrylic Painting

New Prints for Sale - Fine Art Prints - Bird Series

Good luck with your 'un-clogging' and tell me how it goes for you... 

xo

 

 

Masham Leaves Trail + new painting + Journal Photos

I have been busy with my camera again - we visited Masham, North Yorkshire, UK.  Lots of sheep, sculptures + family pics below...  + updates of my work...

A moment to treasure.... Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas 

This painting is an addition to the 'Bird Series'.  You can see the rest of them here.  

I've also loved the spontaneity of painting and writing in my journal this week.  It's wonderful to just paint what comes and not be too critical because it's just afterall my journal! 

Here are a couple of examples:

Journal entry inspired from Sunday...  Book I am currently re-reading - The Artists Way... (fab)!

We walked the Masham Leaves trail on Sunday.  Even though it poured it down, hailed at times and we were soaking, we still managed to laugh and appreciate the beauty all around us.  

2nd of 6 sculptures - The floating leaf...  

Apparently, in the early 1990's sculptor Alain Ayers was commissioned to design this project and it became known as the Masham Leaves.  Paving slabs were reclaimed from the former railway station platform.  The walk takes a good two hours and the boys loved it because there were so many different styles of stiles!  

Joseph

This field was right next to the River Ure that we were following

Fun and games over this 'bridge' - totally submerged, had to balance on the edge of a piece of wood - boys loved it! Mia not so keen!

this sculpture is known as 'The Shrine' - there were little 'offerings' already there!

(sorry image blurred - I think rain on lens!)

Apparently, with reference to the above, there's a 'story that says if you were to see the ghosts of Romans here they would only be visible from the knees up as the road was at a much lower level than today'.  (Text part-taken from Masham Leaves leaflet).

More little lambs... - so cute....

5th sculpture - The Enclosure (Benji)

I love this one!  It is all about the sheep farming tradition in Masham.  As you look at it from differing angles, you see different views of oak leaves.  In the distance, you can also see Swinton Castle (Swinton Park Hotel) which has been so pivotal to the development of the landscape and economy of the local area. (Robert + I stayed here on our 5th wedding anniversary - beautiful place!).

So, lots of work at the moment.  Concentrating on trying to list my work at the moment.  Wanting to offer cards and more prints and some giclee prints too!  Look out for this in the future!

Have a wonderful week to you all and Happy Creating!

 

 

 

A mixed bag of: happenings, spring lambs + news...

I am having a lot of fun at the moment capturing the spring lambs around here.  They are just sooooo adorable, I can't help myself.  I forsee lots of paintings with lambs/sheep featuring.  In fact, there has already been one:

Safe with Mum...  -  Original Mixed Media on Canvas

Here are just a few of the numerous photos I took (hubby was really patient with me on our walk the other day, whilst I snapped away!).

I really love to see them leaping in the air - they look so cute.  Then there's me popping my head over stone walls and taking photos.  Sometimes I can be heard even talking to them...  Good job no-one has heard me, or at least I hope they haven't!  

Busy at the moment thinking about future exhibitions, current artwork, lots of photography, copious journal 'explosions' of colour and cooking (making croissants today in the breadmaker) .  Also, still working on a commission for a lady who is going to be celebrating her 40th birthday soon and family are purchasing the piece for her.  You will get to see it once it is completed.  

journal - haphazard colour - makes me feel HAPPY!

All sorts of happenings taking place at the moment both with artwork and home/family life.  The calendar is filling up rapidly!  

One thing to put in the calendar if you live locally is Another Spot on the Wall.  This takes place at The Station in Richmond, North Yorkshire, UK.  Dates are 14th July - 7th September.  The Station, (as the name suggests) is the historic Victorian railway station that has now been sympathetically restored.  They have a wonderful cafe, two-screen cinema, art gallery over two floors, heritage centre etc.  It's a place definately to visit as is Richmond itself of course.

How are things going for you this week?  

 

Life is a rollercoaster...

I'm trying to remember myself in all of this chaos and that's difficult...  Really difficult...  I'm sharing because this might be helpful for other women to hear and it's good to just get off the rollercoaster sometimes... ha, ha.

just like a sculpture...  (Mia liked it too!)

So, our boys are off school until Monday (Easter holidays) and things are obviously even more hectic than normal.  However, this has been a particularly hectic time with one thing and another.  We have had a water leak, car problems, health stuff, a new website that I am trying to create for hubby, new artwork, commissions etc.   Of course, modern day life is always busy but I think it is when it tips the scales that it becomes a problem.  

love the colour of the water... 

For example, when I start thinking its just easier and quicker to forget to prepare fruit for myself and just give all the fruit to my children.  Or, I'll be alright - I will just eat whilst I am walking around seeing to other tasks. Oh, its ok - I don't need eight hours sleep - I'll be fine (when I am still working at 1am).  Yeah - I have no probs taking care of family, house, home, painting and working on my husband's website at the moment....

Well, the answer is that it doesn't work for very long...  Of course I was in denial --- I can't do it all!

I don't have all the answers by any means, but what I do know is that being outdoors for me has really helped.  It's lovely to be able to just breathe deeply, notice, daydream and be.  So, when I return I am a gentler, kinder, more loving me and that has to be good... 

Hope this helps anyone else feeling overwhelm this week...

x

 

 

Scenes from our Easter...

I hope you have had (or are still enjoying) a lovely Easter Sunday.  We had family over for lunch today, so I cooked for eight.  Our roast ham was gorgeous - very tender.  I cooked it in apple juice and cranberry juice. Then I made a glaze that I spread over the top of the ham and then popped the joint in the oven so it came out beautifully sticky and very aromatic!  Then we had two choices of pudding: gluten free apple crumble with custard and toffee and chocolate cheesecake.  Yummy!

With lots to do this week and not a lot of time, we decided on just a few projects for Easter and here they are!

Dyeing of the eggs!  Great fun!

Results of the egg dyeing!

Joseph and our handmade 'Bunny' napkin holders...

Job completed - eight varying bunnies for our guests!

Joseph painting a terracotta plant pot for an Easter pressie!

Here are the results! Easter Cactus + pots - handiwork of Joseph + Benjamin

Bit of 'egg decorating' with newly picked spring blossom

More spring blossom

Planted some kitchen herbs out...

Plant and cards from our boys + their school

We have really enjoyed baking, crafting, gardening and decorating this week.  I love tradition-making and know that our children enjoy these little preparations too! It helps them to feel connected and part of the event, as well as knowing they have made a contribution to the celebrations!  It's also nice for them to give something that they have made with love.

xo