In the past, I have written about how creating art can have a positive impact on your mindset and overall emotional vitality.  Art can evoke emotions in the creative with every mark made on the paper.  We can get lost in the mood, and get carried away in our thoughts and the feelings behind every stroke of the brush, pen, or pencil. 
I remember with the loss of a family member in 2023, I locked myself in my studio and painted, remembering last words, lost memories and feeling bewildered and alone.  The paintbrush and colours played on the panel as the tears streamed down my face.  The emotions were raw, and the painting was just what I needed to do at the time. 

Sight, smell, sound and touch are senses that can trigger memories both good and challenging.  I am sure you have heard a song on the radio, and it has transported you back to a time far, far away.  A smell has taken you back to a family holiday by the beach, or the scent of a fragrance reminds you of your Mum.

Art can evoke emotions as we view the finished piece, it can transport us back to a time once forgotten, a missed opportunity, a true love, or a person. Art can bring about tears of joy, tears of triumph or tears of loss.  A friend of mine is an incredibly talented artist who, amongst other things immortalises on paper animals for those that have lost their pets. I am sure those artworks would spark emotions for the owner.

Next time you are engaging with a piece of art, feel the emotion and enjoy the process. It truly is a blessing. 

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Featured Artwork: Down by the River
​

I know the saying well, "life gets in the way".  Back in mid-March, we signed the papers to have some work done in our house. By most people’s reckoning it is small works which includes new flooring and painting throughout the house.
I decided the following weekend to get a head start on culling what wasn’t needed anymore.  I was going along quite well and then we headed to Perth for my dad’s special birthday celebrations. Unfortunately, both hubby and I got sick.
Nevertheless, on our return we started the arduous task of packing up a house that we moved into seventeen years ago.  Oh, boy! Enough of the scene setting……….
Throughout this time, I mostly have only been able to create artwork at classes. Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful I have this opportunity.  Creating art in classes is very different to creating art on my own in my own space and mostly in silence.  I enjoy the solitude and quiet time creating. Occasionally I may play a podcast or some quiet music but mostly I work in silence.  I also can play and experiment, paint over explore colour options and develop ideas in my space.  One final thing I have noticed is I miss that relaxation time.
Life has certainly taken priority over the last few months and will continue to for at least another 5 weeks.  I am missing my creating for me time, I do know it’s not too far away.  Thank goodness for art classes, I get to enjoy creativity with a great bunch of people at the classes.

As the work picks up in the house this week, I am hoping to pick up the paint brushes in my art shed and get the creativity flowing again.
​
Have you had a time where life got in the way of your hobby, desire or plans?  Share any strategies or your tips in the comments below.We would love to see them.   

​Featured artwork:  Waterside