Why creativity is so important

Being creative is not just a hobby or a talent, it is a way of life. Creativity is the ability to think outside the box, to come up with new ideas, and to solve problems in unique ways. It is a skill that can be developed and nurtured, and it has numerous benefits for individuals and society as a whole.

One of the most significant benefits of being creative is that it enhances mental health. Engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing music can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It provides an outlet for emotions and allows individuals to express themselves in a healthy way. Creativity also stimulates the brain and improves cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.

Fierce Wall art

Another benefit of being creative is that it fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Creative individuals are more likely to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. They are also more adaptable and flexible, which is essential in today’s rapidly changing world. Creativity is a valuable asset in the workplace, and it can lead to career advancement and success.

Being creative also promotes social connections and community engagement. Creative activities such as art classes, writing groups, or theater productions bring people together and create a sense of belonging. It allows individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and passions, and it can lead to lifelong friendships and collaborations.

Being creative has numerous benefits for individuals and society. It enhances mental health, fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, and promotes social connections and community engagement. So, whether it’s painting, writing, or playing music, make time for creativity in your life and reap the rewards.


Faces, Figures and Feeling Blue

I’ve been working really hard the last few weeks on my digital art. I’ve done a few tutorials, played around with the features and had some fun with different styles. The ups and downs of recent times have been a bit difficult for me to navigate. My family and my art has helped my cope ok.

Abstract – Feeling Blue – Prints are available

I’m using stamp brushes in procreate. I’ve never been good with faces so using a stencil for now just to get a feel of shapes and shadows has helped a lot. Someday cheating but I say if it looks good, and it’s your idea then go for it. Especially if it’s just to practice!

Lockdown has been a god send for me. Although I do get lost in my art and forget to exercise, and eat.

I have so many more designs and painting I’ve created and I’m excited to share with you. Come back next week to see some more awesome artwork.

Digital art Vs Traditional Art

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.

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!

Wasting a few Canvases

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.

Obsession – Abstract Art

Obsession uses my all time favourite colours. Aptly named, I have an obsession with the colour purple. I like to have some drama in my paintings, the more contrast and texture the better.

Starting off with some basic colours and soft blends. I love to blend the paint together on my canvas, mixing the different colours by adding different amounts of each colour.

Adding more depth of colour and changing shapes where I think I need to. Nearly finished, I have to just add some more texture with the palette knife and I’m all done! I’m using packing tape to hold my canvas sheet to my board. It’s a really handy tool as it will give me a lovely little border around the edge of my sheet.

If you fancy popping over to see my next piece in progress, I have progress pictures available on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.

If you’re ready to purchase one of my paintings please pop over to my Etsy store.

Cheers guys,

Chrissy xx

River through the mountains

Here is my first ever painting done with a palette knife. A river running through the mountains to the ocean.

I love the flow and peace that this painting seems to give. Although the river is clearly forcing its way to the ocean, the flow of water makes me feel calm and relaxed. This is the first piece of a series of paintings featuring rivers, the ocean and mountains. I’m surrounded by mountains here where I live so it’s not hard to find plenty of inspiration.

The first stage of this painting. I blocked in the background colours with a fat brush. I very much limited the amount of colours I used for this painting. I wanted to challenge myself to create a piece with depth using limited tools. I had 1 brush and one palette knife, red, blue, yellow, black and white. My favourite kinds of skies to create are definitely stormy skies. I like my paintings to have lots of drama in them. The acrylic paint I have used is Daler Rowney System 3 acrylic paint.

Next week I’ll be publishing another river painting I have created this year. To keep up to date with my current work please pop over to my social media pages.

Www.facebook.com/chrissyturleyartist

Www.instagram.com/chrissyturley30

Nail Art

I love many different things. I love to sing, go horse riding, reading and doing nails! I’m a fully qualified and insured nail tech and it’s one of my favourite things to do. It helped me stay creative even when I wasn’t able to find the time to paint or draw. I like to do natural nails the most, but acrylic extensions can be a lot of fun.

Here are just a few of my recent favourites!

I particularly like the Packman nails which were inspired by Pinterest. I also love the French style nails, I learnt that particular technique from Sam Biddle, of course I added my own little twist with the white hearts as accent nails.

Whether it’s gel polish or acrylic extensions, it doesn’t matter. Creating new designs really makes me happy.

If you would like to keep up to date with my art and nail art please follow me on instagram!

Cheers,

Chrissy xx