Things I’ve Noticed…
For a long time, I called this journal Studio Notes — a place to share glimpses into my painting process and the stories behind my work.
Over time, I realised that the beginnings of my paintings often happen long before I enter the studio. They begin with noticing: a shift in light, the colour of a field, the sound of birdsong, the texture of a hedgerow, or a fleeting moment in the landscape.
This is a place to gather those observations — the small things that catch my attention and, sometimes, find their way into a painting.
I’d love for you to join the conversation — if something here sparks a thought, makes you smile, or inspires an idea, drop me a comment! It’s always a joy to hear from fellow creative adventurers.
The Slow Lane…
Not a soul in sight, only the sound of the wind, the birds and the water. Even though the skies were grey, clouds scudding through at a rate of knots, with more than a hint of rain in the air, it was a moment to stop. To step into the slow lane. To watch the clear water swirl, trickle, stream, spurt and gurgle its way down the fell side, over the stones and into the reservoir. Each droplet a story. To watch the ripples tremble on the surface. Timeless. All that it was, is now, and will be again.
Being creative, but needing order in my life…
I would normally describe myself as an optimist with a healthy dose of realism and a touch of cynicism thrown in for good measure. Most of the time I potter along quite happily, but every so often, something happens that throws me off kilter, leaving me somewhat discombobulated (what a fabulous word that is!!). I know this affects my creativity as my emotional state and creativity are intertwined.