I held my first exhibition at home in September. There was a great turnout of around 60 people. It was the first time I’ve ever shown my work and it felt good to share it. Even though it’s only the start of my painting journey it felt important to show up. A sign that I am taking this path seriously and that I’m willing to get uncomfortable. I sold around 20 pieces which felt incredible, a nod to keep exploring and developing my process. I loved listening to people discussing which piece they loved the most. I’ve made and sold many things in my life but this exchange felt different it feels like it’s the first time I’ve made work that is incredibly personal.I remember watching the movie Maudie. She got such joy from painting all day - I remember thinking I want to live that kind of creative life.

This month we took a break and went to Thailand. While there, I decided to update and upgrade my website. I’m really pleased with how it looks and you can now purchase my work online. Squarespace is incredibly user friendly, I did the whole update sitting by the pool.

I also decided it’s time to show my work. I haven’t shown it to anyone. I’ve set the date for Sat 7 September and have been working hard to put it together. I’m setting it up at home. My son is away in Canada on exchange, so his study has been converted into my gallery.

For the last couple of years, while I’ve been experimenting with painting, I’ve kept the work close but now It feels like it’s time to show up and share my journey thus far.  I do believe it is important to share your work.

In early July I was fortunate to participate in a 7 day art workshop in the East MacDonnell Ranges with Idris Murphy. I adore Idris’s work so to be in his company and bear witness to his teachings was a real privilege. Everyday we set up and painted, ‘en Plein Air.’ I really want to do more of this on our property so practicing this all week was invaluable. Observing how other artists set up and worked outdoors in the landscape was really inspiring.

I’ve just completed week 10/12 of CVP Art2Life. We are in the middle of creating a series of three 30x30cm panels incorporating all the principles we have learnt in the course. And guess what? I hit a wall. I felt overwhelmed and pressured to perform (totally self inflicted) so much so that I froze and could not paint. I allowed my fear and anxiety to take the reigns (sorry Liz.) Elizabeth Gilbert writes in Big Magic that we should acknowledge fear when it arises, allow it to be present but not take the drivers seat.

I’ve just completed week 6/12 of CVP Art2Life, run by Nicholas Wilton. I’ve been learning about value, design and colour. I’m loving every second of the teachings. I didn’t realise how much I was yearning to learn. This is hands down the best online course I’ve ever taken and there’s been quite a few. I’ve had to put my 100 day challenge on hold but I’m making art everyday and that’s what counts.

This month I’ve continued the 100 day challenge: Where I paint one painting a day on paper. I also signed up to a 12 week course CVP through Art2Life run by Nicholas Wilton. I’m up to week 3 and it’s been great so far. The first 3 weeks have been dedicated to mindset and finding what truly lights you up, the things you desire (wild dreams you have for your art and life) and ideas of how you’d like to deepen your work.

This month I started an 100 day challenge to paint one painting a day on paper. I find these types of challenges really helpful for a few reasons: They keep you accountable. The process is more freeing. I feel less outcome bound then I do when working on larger boards. The paintings take less time, they allow for experimentation. Mistakes can be made, which is often where the magic of new possibilities is found. It’s a great way to develop stylistically.

This year I’ve decided to share an excerpt from my journal each month that will live on my website: I aim to cover what I’m working on, my struggles, my insights and all my favourite resources - podcasts, books & meditations.