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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 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.
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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 

When was the last time you played with no agenda, no outcome required, and just faffed around? As each year passes into adulthood, we are less likely to experience a time of play as priorities and responsibilities change.

Spending time doing something fun without any particular required outcome, or faffing about, I like to call it, is relaxing and can be very cathartic. 

As an artist, we are encouraged to play, experiment and just let go of the outcome.  This weekend  I spent time in my studio and decided to have a play with my watercolours. Throwing on some colour in my sketchbook and letting it dry, I looked at what I could make of the wash  I had laid down.  I had no intention for what I was doing, I had no desired outcome, I was going to play. 

Allowing time to experiment, play and let go of outcomes can lead to some amazing discoveries. I mostly use a sketchbook for any playtime and can reference anything I have done that I can use in future artwork. Enjoying the moment and letting go of the outcome can be so rewarding on so many levels. 
My hubby likes to get out in the garden and move things around, pot up plants, change locations of items and spend time experimenting with what looks good and what he can do to improve an area.  There isn't any specific outcome in mind, just time lost in his thoughts and in the garden.

Whether it be in the art studio, the garden, tinkering in the shed or fussing in a craft room, the joy of playing can't be beaten.  

Do you take time to play without a specific outcome? Leave a comment below to share what you do.

Featured Artwork: A pen and wash, from my watercolour sketchbook