Recently, I have exhibited in local art shows and exhibitions.  I was very fortunate that several of my pieces sold at the shows.  On two occasions, I was able to meet the collector of my artworks.
What came up in the conversations was how the artwork spoke to them. The pieces were quite different, watercolour and abstract mixed media landscapes. I know when I am creating a piece, I almost get this giddy feeling and butterflies.  When I experience those feelings, I know I am happy with what I have produced.  It may take time during the process for this to come up, sometimes it can be immediate within the first layer.  
It made me wonder if similar feelings came up for the observer of art.  Does the art talk to them through feelings, emotions, memories.  Does the art take them back to a time and place, does it send them into an unknown exciting future, through the art piece?  
I know, personally artwork feeds my soul, both purchasing and creating.  It evokes emotions and mostly brings joy.  Art is for everyone and is always a welcome addition into ones life.
 
Do you have an art piece that has evoked an emotion for you? Do you create art and have physical or emotional responses to what you create?  Leave your comments below.

Featured Artwork: Entertaining Angels and Friends

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
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My life has changed in so many ways to what it was even ten years ago.   I was working and juggling a business.  I seemed to always be on the go and in a rush.  I would be full speed from one appointment to the next, rushing to make deadlines, rushing to a meeting, rushing home, rushing, rushing, rushing.  There was no time to stop, look around and smell the roses. 
When my business closed due to COVID, I was spending more time creatively; I was less rushed.  I slowed down and adjusted my thinking, my speed, and my entire outlook. 

I started to stop and smell the roses, take in the scents that surrounded me, the colours that engulfed my views, the shapes that danced in front of my eyes.  I started to see the world from the artist's eyes. 

Where I teach art classes, one of the participants said to me recently, "I walk differently now".   She went on and explained, I now really see the sunset or sunrise, I now look at a tree and see the gnarly bark and twigs, I see the different greens in the grass.   I understand what she was sharing, as I experienced the same when I started to slow down and invest in my creative experiences.

I do walk differently, my eyes are open to the wonders that surround us every day. The ever-changing colours in the sky, the earth, grass and vegetation.  The shapes in buildings, fences,  nature, and structures.  

Suddenly, everything took on a new meaning, new excitement and new opportunities. My walk was mindful and I was in the moment, experiencing the delights  I had rushed past for so long.
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Do you enjoy walking, have you slowed down to stop and smell the roses?  How does it make you feel?  Drop a comment below and share your story.

Photo:  Rose from our garden