February blog post

Love month. A whole lot of self care and self growth focus. Valentines day, my dads birthday, work and time with friends and family mostly. Though I still spent plenty of time painting and on art sales. Love is all around and within us, my greatest love is and always will be, creativity.

The weather was quite difficult, the few sunny days showed the power of brighter days. Now it is March is is still cold, but I am glad to see some bright colour from spring flowers. They have appeared in the form of daffodils first which is an ejoyable flower to paint. I love their bright sunshine yellow which brings vibrant colour to grey days.

I carried on working on my yellow roses oil painting. This is starting to take shape as I build up the layers and add more detail to the leaves and petals. I have also created pages in my art journal, a practise I have kept up for a long time. When I get the chance and have a small amount of spare time, under half an hour even. I like to use the time to do some mindful painting, without too much fussing about detail it is just to relax and enjoy painting. Watercolour paints pans are flelexible and affordable for carry around easily. I like the fluid unpredictibility of watercolour paints and the wide range of vivid colours and marks that can be made. I simply carry a small detail brush for more controled precision, and a sword brush which works for many diffent brush stroke shapes, including lines, petals, squares, dots, etc.

I have been doing a lot more indoor workouts and new strength routines, based on the weather and fitting things in around working full time. When there has been good weather, I have really enjoyed it.

I have been reading more than ever, but I have also been out a few times dancing in fabruary too with raves and gigs. Looking back it was a really busy month.

I spent time with family and friends where possible, and had a great meal at a vegan carribean restaurant in London called Jam Delish, which was a lovely experience of different flavours and creative dishes. There was also a good playlist of music and we all had fun.

I keep thinking about wanting to start a new painting, but I have'nt found the inspiration for a new peice yet. I have honestly felt quite low and un-motivated a lot recently. When I've not been working or with friends and family, I have just wanted to rest. Perhaps I could focus on abstract painting to help my mood and emotions, un-till I find a subject I am passionate about again. I have a trip to egypt so I think that will help. I have still been creating art, and working on new products to sell. But as for a new painting, I feel I have painted enough flowers, landscapes I like to paint outdoors and I am not sure what I can paint that seems interesting or challenging enough. I love to learn, and explore new techniques and ideas. I think I will play around and experiment. Perhaps some time to rest and a clearer mind then idea's will come.

New days, and warmer days are ahead. New idea's and new possibilities are there to be found.

Keep marching on to March. Spring things. Though things can get me down, I always get back up. Sometimes its a long hard walk but there is always joy to be found even in the midst of struggles.

Love

Gemma