When I run classes at any of the programs I run, including at my studio "Art in the Garden Room", I always recommend to sign the artwork and date it on the back. 
I wish I had done this when I started back painting. Fortunately, modern technology means I can work out dates based on the photos on my phone.

I love to look back and see the progression in my artwork, how my brushstrokes have changed, my colour palette and style changes. My art has always been inspired by nature, the style and colour palette has changed over time, yet my artwork continues to be inspired by nature.  Over time, I realised, I  prefer to paint impressionistic and abstract work, using mixed media. 
 
When we look back at our artwork it can trigger ideas, identify what we love, what we prefer to leave behind and monitor our development. Looking back can move you forward to exciting new ideas, spark joy in following your own artistic journey and create a sense of accomplishment.  This is why, I highly recommend having a sketchbook for practice as well as a safe private place for experimentation. 

Do you sign and date your work? Do you like looking at an artist's earlier work?
Feel free to leave a comment below.

Featured Artwork: Spring Meadow
​

 I love attending art classes, as a participant.  I get to take the time to be in my own creative head space.  I learn different techniques, mediums and experiment with new ideas.   

One idea that really got me excited was painting using a messy background to create figures and florals. So excited was I that on I continued on with the process and felt a newfound excitement in what I was creating. 
The excitement felt like I was a child back playing, creating and making some really fun art. Before I knew it, I had started to create some really cute gals, they needed names and a story as they came to life before my eyes.

GIven my work is inspired by nature, these classy ladies are a departure to my current works. So why have I called them "Mildred Paints"? I felt child like and free when creating these beauties. well, here is the short story behind it. 

When I was a small child, possibly from a baby, my Dad had a nickname for me.  I don't know where it came from, how he came up with it, but I loved it.  As he did the countdown to throwing me into bed at bedtime, he would call me "Mildred Knickynooker".  I love the name; it brings back memories of me as a child with my Mum and Dad.
​
So there you have it, why I have called this series "Mildred Paints". I feel like these gals could be your friends, family member or you....... who knows.  I had so much fun creating them, plus loads of feedback that they made people laugh.  

Mildred Paints was born, bringing colour and playfulness to my art practice. I hope you enjoy them as much as I love creating them.  They are going to be around for a long time. 

Featured Artwork:  Carla and the girls  

Feel free to leave a comment below 

As much as we would love everyone to like our art, it's impossible.  We all have different tastes, budgets and opinions. Did you know if you have an artist in your life, for that matter anyone with a small business, you can still support them, it's not just about the sale. 
Your support is just as important as the sale.
Here are 5 ways to support a small business or the artist in your life. 

Follow the business on the socials. Social media plays an important role in helping to grow the visibility and reach of the artist.  If you share their posts and work, this has a huge impact on them being able to build their community.  Liking, loving and commenting on posts also assists with the algorithms on the different platforms and shows you value their contribution. 

Go to the show. Artists participate in open-call exhibitions, solo exhibitions,  and open studio events.  Attending an artist's show or event is one of the best ways to support them. By showing up you are supporting them, showing you care about them and their work.  There would be nothing worse than going to all the effort of putting on an event and there are very few people in attendance or no familiar friendly faces  as moral support.  

Word of mouth is one of the most valuable forms of advertising.  Talking about your family or artist friend to others is a great way to introduce new people to their art.  Ask if they know the artist, if they don't suggest they look them up, or even better, share a link to the socials. 

Attend an art class.  I am a bit biased on this, as you probably know, I run over a hundred art classes a year.  It's a numbers game when it comes to running classes. Classes going ahead generally come down to the numbers being enough for a class or program to go ahead.  If you have always wanted to join a class, why not enrol for a class?  You never know, you might find your passion for art.

Shop local.  Have you ever been stuck with having to buy a gift for a surprise invitation?  Local artists often have framed artwork ready to go.  Check in on your local artist, to see if they have an artwork to your taste and budget.  If you are local, they may even offer to deliver on the day. 

There you have it, five simple ways to support a local artist, family member or friend.  You will be surprised how much they appreciate your support.  

How do you support your local community, small business or artist?  Comment below. 

​Featured Artwork: Cityscape on the river

For most of my working career, I worked remotely.  Mostly the companies were located in different states making remote work the most appropriate way to function. In 2020, many workers were forced into remote working along with school children.  To me, this was my normal way to operate, whereas, for many, it was a new and untested way to operate. 
With the onset of remote working, remote learning also escalated, particularly in areas not exposed to online learning. 
Artists that predominately held in-person classes were forced to embrace the world of online to be able to make ends meet and continue their business. 
Suddenly, artists and art classes from overseas we once earned to attend in person, were now in our bedrooms, home office or kitchen table.  All of a sudden online classes became the norm and in-person classes were a distant memory. Of course, now we have the opportunity to enjoy both.

Whilst online classes offer time flexibility as many are pre-recorded on-demand classes and individually paced, does it deliver on community, collaboration, physical art materials, demonstration and guidance?

In-person, classes tend to require more time and financial investment into your development than a short online course.  However, some fabulous online courses allow you to learn new techniques and genres with little financial investment.  It comes down to how disciplined you are to see it through. 

I feel there is a place for both growing and expanding as an artist.  I don't mind an online course here and there, but I do love attending in-person events and courses more, due to the connections, collaborations and personalised attention.

Which do you prefer online or in-person classes or do you mix it up and use both?
Featured artwork: Morning Walk