It’s only been six weeks since I started work on my latest series “Floral Misfits”, still at the early stages where everything seems possible. Continuously discovering new things, thinking up new ideas, my mind is fuzzing with all these inspirations and the excitement of what could be!

It’s a great feeling, and what keeps me motivated to get back in my studio after a long 9-5…

The paintings are progressing well, building layers, textures whilst still getting used to working with oil paint for the first time. I honestly wish I’d started using them sooner. They do take some getting used to but they are so worth it in my opinion. The sumptuous, rich, buttery textures you get with oil paint is unlike any other paint I’ve worked with. I love how you can pull them across the surface, move them and shape them whilst they’re still wet. I’m enjoying scraping back the layers and pulling the paint to reveal colour and texture underneath.

I’m also finding mixing oil paints is a delight, unlike acrylic which you need to mix quickly before it dries on you….oil you can take your time, really harnessing the colour you want. Mixing various shades across the palette without worry.

It’s a whole new experience and I’m enjoying it very much. Not sure if I’ll ever go back to acrylic!…. But never say never.

I definitely need to be more patient with oil paint though, although it’s great your palette doesn’t dry out, it also means the painting doesn’t either so creating layers is taking me much longer. But with that time and patience I feel more appreciative of what I’ve created. A great satisfaction with each layer I add, building the depth of the painting.

So I’ve currently got two paintings almost complete, and seven panels sealed and ready in the wings…. plenty to get stuck into over the coming months.

Close up of detail - Work in progress Nettle painting

I hope to have a large series of work complete by the new year, as I start preparations for my next art fair which will be Fusion Art fair in Harrogate, in March.

Seems like plenty of time, but as I’m already almost 2 month’s in with nothing finished…. I better get my skates on. Still lots to decide, ideas to explore though so I need to be mindful not to let the deadline takeover and producing something becomes more important than the journey. I did that for the last art fair and now have a few paintings I’m not that happy with… I’m sure all artists do it. And they won’t go to waste. If those paintings don’t sell I can sand them back and use the panels for new paintings. A new life for them.

So as we move closer to winter and the nights draw in, I’ll be working away in my studio. Although usually a time to wind down and almost hibernate… I find this time is when I’m most productive. It could be down to the weather and staying in doors more… or the fact my husband goes off to play Hockey every weekend now the season has started, leaving me in peace to paint!… ha.

Either way, I’m excited to get stuck in and see what I create. I’m already in love with the two paintings I’m close to finishing. Let’s hope there’s plenty more to come!

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At the start of a series when all feels possible

Time for something new…