This year we welcomed a new addition to our family, it is now perfectly complete. I forgot how precious babies are. Our biggest baby graduated primary school and is becoming a beautiful little lady. Marcus is cruising around and kicking goals at soccer and at school. Overall this year has seen some beautiful moments, we have created some amazing memories.
I’ve experienced some lows, my mental health took a bashing this year. However along with the bashing I have also learned a lot, about myself and how to deal with people better. The arrival of James has really brought into perspective what’s important in life.
I’ve been working on something new that will be released THIS WEEK! With that, here is a look back at some of what I’ve created this year.
I’ve had a lot of fun this past year. I’ve got so much planned for next year. Let’s have some fun this coming year. Wishing you all love, happiness and health in 2023!
Holy moly! How hectic is life at the moment. I’ve found myself with a quiet moment and enough brain power to actually write at the same time! I didn’t forget how much time babies take up but it is still a bit of a shock. Especially with Dan being away for more than half of James life so far. Having 2 older kids has made things easier and harder.
James – perfection ❤️
I have managed to get some gardening done and been able to look after my indoor plants as well. I still have an incredibly long “to-do” list but I’m slowly ticking things off. My art has suffered a little. I did manage to get a little landscape completed. Sunshine Forest – digital drawing is at the bottom of the page.
James is now a month old, almost 6 weeks. He’s been a total blessing. All the rubbish I went through to get here was worth it. Even though we’ve had a few rough nights, a trip to the hospital and an amazing amount of wee and poo. He’s made me re-evaluate everything. Figure out what and who are the most important in my life.
Some of the new editions to the garden – Vireya
Turns out, although I want to be exceptionally good at my job, I was putting too much of my energy into it. I was giving too much. Considering they would replace me in a heart beat if they wanted to.
The kids and Dan are far too important for me not to be in the moment while with them. Family time is family time, work time is work time. Boundaries need to be put in place to distinguish between the two, and being 100% focused on each at the appropriate time is essential. I also need to carve out some me time, that doesn’t consist of running errands, that I feel will take some more time to figure out.
My latest digital drawing – Sunshine Forest
Learning to balance work and life has been tricky. I haven’t mastered it yet, I’m still on maternity leave so it’ll be interesting to go back to work and see if I can manage it. I do think it’s the most important thing I need to focus on though.
Continuing on from my last post and my comment about being triggered at some point. It didn’t take long before it happened. After talking to work colleagues it seems it’s still happening. I felt myself starting to become angry. Me standing up did nothing to help anyone. I had to stop myself getting upset. I took a deep breath in and released all that emotion out. Am I little annoyed nothing is going to change? Absolutely. If I could go back, would I choose not to say anything, knowing that it wouldn’t help? Absolutely not. I may have altered how I said enough, but I would still say it.
New growth on my philodendron – beautiful
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies when healing, we have set backs, often. The only way to move forward is to acknowledge the trigger, figure out why it was so strong and then learn from it. I’ve decided I need to try and remove myself from the situation for a while. So enough writing about toxic work places, at least until I can keep the emotion out of it.
I was talking to one of my favourite people this week. Her thoughts – everyone is having a rubbish year. Everyone she knows seems to be struggling one way or another. Whether that’s in their relationship, financially, at work, emotionally, physically and every other aspect life has. I certainly agree, the signs of this year have been weird from and for all. People seem hesitant to start anything, reluctant to move forward in their life. I think we all need to be kinder to ourselves and loved ones, this year in particular as all this uncertainty is causing all of us so much worry or anxiety.
Raspberry Trellis made by me – ignore the weeds, they are a work in progress.
This is not to say people aren’t still kicking goals. Many friends and family members are kicking huge goals in their career or personal lives, but they seem to be doing this in spite of many more obstacles which seem to be in their way. These people are an inspiration to me, although I’m in a resting phase of my life, they show me that we as humans can be pretty impressive. Do things that are extraordinary, even while things seem against you. I know when I’m ready, I will be able to do the same. It’s in us all, we just need to know, believe or have faith in our abilities.
While I’m in my resting phase, I’m enjoying my maternity leave. For those of you that have been reading and watching, you would have seen me create a few bits and bobs and potter around in the garden. I’m trying very hard to unwind from a fast pace work environment. My mind wants to do a lot more than my body is able to at the moment. Slowly I think I’m getting there. I have an enormous To Do list, with a couple of little projects that may be coming to fruition soon so that will be a little bit exciting. I can’t help myself, I like being on the go. I like creating and dreaming up new ideas.
While pottering in the garden, I’ve been able allow my mind to be quiet. The downside is, a lot of the work I’ve got still to do in our garden is pretty labour intensive. I’ve worn myself out on a number of occasions. Feeling good while I’m working but hitting the wall once I come inside and sit down. I literally have to time myself so I don’t over do it. I wore myself out so much Monday, I was up at the hospital on Tuesday making sure Bub was ok. All is well in case you are wondering. Even trying to relax is difficult for me.
An apple I drew this week – I’m working on realism… not sure I got there.
This week I’ve managed to do a mountain of washing, put a raspberry trellis up, plant some ground cover, weed some more of my little garden, been on 2 day trips to various garden centres and had coffee with a very special lady and bubba. I’ve also been reading, drawing and cleaning. I still find that I’m chastising myself because I haven’t done enough this week. Sometimes personal growth is one step forward and two steps back. I’ll get there in the end, I guess that’s all that matters.
I’ve always shied away from drawing people. I doubt I’m the only one, but for some reason I’m scared of doing a rubbish job. Which is ridiculous, no one else needs to see it if it is rubbish. Let’s face it, if its not on social media – it didn’t really happen did it?
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
So, I’m starting. I’m just going to draw. I’ve watched some tutorials and I have a fair idea on how to start now. Skin tone is hard so I’m starting there. I still want to keep some artistic flair and not produce photorealism.
I’m using procreate and I love it so far. Highly recommended!
Finished – Hand
I’m happy with my start. I need to now find some good reference photos to practice with!
There are so many differences between digital art and traditional art. One is there is a whole lot less mess with digital art. Especially for me, because I trash the joint when I’m painting……. Just ask my other half.
Digital Art
Traditional Sketch
Digital VS Traditional
Some people prefer the traditional and some prefer digital. I thought (before I started digital art) that it would be easier, oh how wrong I was! It’s just as difficult to get a fantastic image, the challenges are just different. You still need to learn how to use your brushes, how the ‘canvas’ feels.
Grass in the park
I can’t wait to learn more and more. As with traditional art I have so many ideas that I want to try. My reference photo library is going to come in handy. I’ve already used several of my photos to help with shape, style and colour palettes.
Weekly trips and adventures are going to become a regular occurrence in our family life. My aim is to get at least 2 images for my library every week. They give me inspiration and ideas for my art. Looking forward to the next few weeks of art!
I’ve been using Procreate for 3 days. I’m enjoying it so far. There are so many different brushes, and effects I think it’ll take me many months to use them all.
My first attempt at using Procreate.
I am having difficulty with layers. I forget to put some details in certain layers and then I’m not sure if you can go back into them. I’ll need to watch some tutorials.
Second attempt….
I used my own reference photos from my library. I cut the rose out and used some of the other features and backgrounds. I think I’ve decided I prefer free hand drawing the most. It’s only been 3 days, so I’m sure that’ll change when I get better at using it.
Third attempt, I’m really happy with this one.
The above was inspired by the evening sky while I was driving home. It’s winter here in Brisbane. It looked cold, but so colourful while the sun was setting. The iPencil I’ve been using is easy to use, it’s smooth and the battery lasts forever. I can’t wait to continue to use Procreate and the pencil.
One of my first little pieces – my purple tree. It is still one of my MOST viewed and bought prints. I remember creating it like it was yesterday. I loved trying to create it from an image in my head. I didn’t know whether it would work out or not. I felt I was really stepping out of my comfort zone not having a reference photo.
Purple Tree
This was four years ago and I still never know whether a painting is going to work out. I mean I always hope it does but I’m not too upset if it doesn’t. Sometimes I’ll revisit it, sometimes I won’t. The point is I tried to create something that was in my mind. I tried to bring an image to life.
I’m starting to realise, as I get older that I’ll regret not trying things way more than I will wasting some money on a few canvases! Art has helped me grow a whole lot more than anything else I’ve done. It’s helped allow me to show my compassionate and caring side.
Cabin by the River
Another one from that year. This was one of the first pieces I sold. A real ego boost. I remember selling it and how that made me feel. I have always favoured the thought of having my own business. I love to create.
The only other thing that has helped me grow an enormous amount in the last couple of years was With You With Me. I started learning Data Analytics and from there I started to teach. More on that in a later post. So many people look at me weird when I tell them I’m an Artist and a Data Analyst. Most people don’t think these two loves don’t go together, but if you think about it you see many similarities.
Check out my next post to find out how I got into Data Analysis and how the two careers are similar.
I saw this quote on a popular social media site – no idea who or where it came from originally. I would love nothing more than to just be me…. no holes barred me. Easier said than done.
See I’m a little bit quirky – my sense of humour isn’t for everyone and neither is my outlook on life. Which to be honest, makes most people think I’m delusional. I like to see everyone as good until proven otherwise….. in the corporate world this has come to bite me in the butt more than once.
Essentially my views have allowed me to successfully navigate life thus far. Most people are in fact inherently good – just sometimes their life experiences and lack of skills on how to cope with said experiences jades them.
One of many reference photos in our library!
Everyone – no, MOST PEOPLE want peace and love and laughter in their life, many don’t know how to achieve this. I battle constantly with myself trying not to get involved in affairs that aren’t mine. I can’t help it when I see something that isn’t fair, or needs to be addressed. Not everyone likes this.
Where do you draw the line? Where is the point that you go “I’m no longer stepping in”. This part I definitely haven’t figured out yet and I’ll let you know if I ever do.
What I can tell you is that I’ve found what I love, what I’m good at, I have people around me that I trust and that I care about and at times I feel so at peace with my surroundings that I almost can’t believe it’s true.
I have created a colouring group to teach some art techniques. In this group you will find ideas and tips on paper choice and colouring ideas. You can share your progress and ask questions.
I have created a number of colouring pages that are downloadable for you to print out. There is also a book coming and I am always making more colouring sheets. Check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1686019051445625/
Just 2 of my current collections. They leave a lot to the colourists imagination. They have been really popular even with the young at heart.
Check out my Instagram and Facebook feeds for work in progress pictures and a release date for my book.
