Let the magic flow …

The other night I had an arrangement with my daughter to decorate the tree. The Christmas music was blearing and the magic Christmas feels were in the air. Then I was called outside.  

Hubby was up a ladder, against the outside of the house, poised precariously, painting. He needed something passing to him.  Fair enough he was up a ladder doing chores and I was having fun. 

But then, he needed something else, and another, and kept interrupting our decorating flow. AND THEN I had to guide his ‘blind painting’ as he couldn’t see  under the eaves and I could see the area to be painted from the deck alongside. After he clambered down the ladder and looked up, he noticed an unpainted spot. An unpainted grey patch that I hadn’t seen from the angle I was looking at it from and compounded by dusky light ... 

I will leave the rest of the conversation to your imagination and how this played out.

What was meant to be a magical moment with my daughter turned into a frenetic back and fro activity trying to please two people. 

What did I learn? Neither of my family members were satisfied with my distracted involvement and I too was angry and frustrated. (I also learned that doing DIY can be a test of any relationship! :0) 

Anyhoo, next time, I will make sure I communicate my plans to all parties and stick with one thing! These magical Christmas moments are too precious to not be in the moment to enjoy. 

This month’s #2021_creativegrowth theme is  MAGIC,  so make the effort to make magical moments and try not to get distracted like me ;)

Before I sign off, I have some features from November’s  ‘thoughtful’ theme. 

Thanks so much for joining in! 

Rose @roserobertswriter encourages us to consider the gifts of nature and to not take them for granted.  

Laura @laurarivierowilson made a sign to remind us to be grateful accompanied with a beautiful quote by Harold S Kushner “We are here to change the world with small acts of thoughtfulness done daily rather than with one great breakthrough.” 

Marilou @mariloucadizmarshall has given some thought to her online offerings and developed her course to include modern tropical designs. Go Marilou - your courses look amazing!

Jamie @reveriesinblue has explained her still life and all the subtle hidden meanings in the composition which represents the ephemeral nature of life and it's pleasures. 

Ann @annld60 always has a cheerful floral presence and positive thoughts to share around.

I also ran a giveaway for all November participants and the winner of my 2022 calendar is Rima Berzin @rimaberzin_art_photos. 

Thanks so much for playing along and I'm sorry you couldn't all be winners!

For this month’s challenge, I’ll echo the words of artist Mati Rose @matiroseart who says, ”show the world your magic” and for the last month of the year, just let your creativity flow and look out for those magic moments!

Have a great month and a safe festive season and see you on the other side of the new year.

Claudia x

Spooky times and staying courageous

October’s theme was courage and so many posts represented courage to me, especially knowing a little about some of the artists behind these works. 

So, below are some selections from the #2021_creativegrowth feed that resonated with me. Thank you for joining in as it wasn’t an easy theme.

Ann @ald65walks 

Laura @laurariverowilson

Jan @24cherrys

Keratin @gartenwerk

Marilou @mariloucadizmarshall 

The next monthly  #2021_creativegrowth theme (11 of 12) is also challenging. In November it is thoughtful. 

I was mulling over my word for the year which was texture and thinking back on how texture has featured in my life during 2021.

Starting with a definition from Mariam Webster

texture noun

tex·​ture | \ ˈteks-chər

Definition of texture (Entry 1 of 2)

1a: the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something the texture of an oil painting

b: the disposition or manner of union of the particles of a body or substance

2a: a composite of the elements of prose or poetry all these words … meet violently to form a texture impressive and exciting - John Berryman

b: a pattern of musical sound created by tones or lines played or sung together

3a: essential part: Substance

b: identifying quality : Character 

4a: something composed of closely interwoven elements specifically : a woven cloth

b: the structure formed by the threads of a fabric

5a: basic scheme or structure

b: overall structure

This year there have been so many layers and threads of uncertainly in the world, different views and voices, creating an uncomfortable texture to life, causing tension among friends and loved ones. So many textures and layers of feelings. It requires courage to desist from letting it overwhelm and consume.

Art-wise, this year has been filled with so many layers of paint and paper, layering different media and styles and texturing up my creative visual store with ideas from different mentors and teachers. For me, it has definitely been a year of creative growth. 

Reflecting on your creative year, what fills your thoughts?

Include your reflections on your creative growth in your posts and I will add your name to a draw at the end of November for one of my 2022 calendars which reflects a creative year. 

Enjoy your thoughtful month and stay safe.

Claudia x

What’s your favourite season?

I knew that September’s theme ‘Seasons’ would be popular, and it didn’t disappoint. The theme brought some bright and joyful creations on the #2021_creative growth feed. Thank you to all of you who joined in. It is so inspiring to see what you come up with each month. 

Fall colours by Bubana @bubanahavajima 

Dore @meandmamad anticipating pumpkin season with this artistically formed sourdough 

Megan @Hallomeggs creating adventure in the home with this clever use of household goods - who says you can’t have the ocean at home! 

Laura @laurariverowilson reflecting on the mountain  theme from Sept with the simple use of collage

Jan @24cherrys snapped the blooms of spring beautifully in her home 

Susan @coombessusan__my_pics collaged  the feel of seasons in her repurposed sketch book accompanied by a cheerful poem 

From Brazil @oficinanov9, beautifully created some colourful books illustrating each season of the year 

Monika @kreseczka_m created a flurry of petals with a cuppa which we all desire on a regular basis 

Ann @ald65walks took us to the mountains to enjoy the scenery which is appreciated as so many of us can’t travel at the moment

Rima’s @rimaberzin_art_photos capture reminds me of bird migration which is a sure sign the seasons are changing 

October’s theme is courage and is more difficult to depict. I hope that you have the opportunity, or make the effort to try something new, or courageously change something in your life. Go on, be courageous and share to the #2021_creativegrowth tag on Instagram and be featured in my Stories. 

Thanks for joining in and I hope your month is rewarding creatively.

Claudia x

Climbing mountains

I saw recently that @inlove_withlifehub has a themed tag called little things.

I love that idea. We get so hooked on the big things, but forget how little things can help us. In tough times those little things have got me through - lying in my bed at night in boarding school listening to my little radio, feeling the power of the ocean on a sunny day, talking to my dog as a kid and now, feeling the sunshine on my skin in winter while sipping a cuppa after completing chores. Filling my little squares and finding new ways to create and push myself is also a massive way to help me through. What are your ways of getting through life that doesn’t cost a lot and that fills your cup?

The  #2021_creativegrowth posts this month for the ‘mountains’ theme also helped to fill  my cup.

The mountains called Laura @laurariverwilson - who found that being up a mountain and seeing how the land lies, is so uplifting.

The Colorado mountains beckoned Ann @ald65walks who always lifts our moods with her kind words and stunning photographs (have a look at Ann’s feed for her new tags and join in!)

Marilou @mariloucadizmarshall reached the top of one of her creative mountains and was  published in the Somerset Studio Magazine Fall issue by Stampington. And there are doodle pages too. Well done Marilou!  

Bubana @bubanahavajima has upside-down cone mountains filled with wonderful summer fruits.

Thank you for your lovely contributions and hope you’ll continue to join in with the next one! 

And that brings me to this month’s #2021_creativegrowth theme - which is open to many interpretations and is ‘seasons’. 

How will you artistically represent ‘seasons’? What approach will you take … will it be

Seasons of your life?  

A change in seasons? 

Condiments for your food?  

What materials will you use? Paints, pencils, charcoal, flowers or your camera and artistic eye?

I’d love to see what you do for this month’s theme! So have a lovely month and as our seasons change and our pandemic persists, take care out there.

Claudia x

Food, glorious food!

The food theme for July for the #2021_creativegrowth challenge was fun. So much delicious food produced, processed and eaten.

We had some homemade ice-cream from Annie @creatively_annie

Bubana @bubanhahavajima showed us her fluffy slippers and delicious marshmallows in a playful pastel inspired scene.

Laura @laurariverowilson produced her own food this month with delicious produce from her garden

Ann @annld60 shared many photos of flowers from her outdoor meanders and whose wonderful blooms attract bees to feed on their nectar.

Thanks so much for participating – it’s always a pleasure to see what you are up to creatively.

Now for August’s theme.

When you hear 'mountains' what does that image conjure up for you?

In my formative years, I grew up in a valley, with high mountains to the north. So I love mountains. I also spent many years living between the mountains and the sea. Having the sea and mountains at my doorstep is my dream living scenario, but hey, either one does very well too, thank you, and in Auckland, I am surrounded by the sea and the mountains are not that far away. 

What is your favourite landscape?

So you may have guessed it! August's theme for the #2021_creativegrowth challenge is ‘mountains’.

How do they inspire your creative pursuits? What can you do with the theme this month? Perhaps your mountain is physical or perhaps your mountain is a hurdle you have had to conquer – share whatever feels like a mountain for you and captured in whatever medium, style or format.

Have a look at some of these artists for inspiration

@sophiemelville_artist watercolours of the southern Alps

@harrypope for mountain photography

@pheehudson acrylic and digital art

I’ll leave you with a little poem that is inspirational for the colours and descriptions it conjures up for me and which may help you with a little painterly play.

Vermont Hills by Hilda Conkling

The Vermont hills curve
Like a swirl of wind;
The last light shines . . .
They are like plums and grapes.
They have lights like coral,
Like April peach-trees in the dark.
I shall dream them again
When years have gone,
And I shall not have forgotten
You.

Remember to tag #2021_creativegrowth and @adiandbert to be featured in my Stories and to alert me to new posts.

Until next time - create your heART out.

Claudia x

 

 

 

And so, just like that, June is done for 2021.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I love the sea and regularly post a story about my closest beach and coastal walk, sharing it’s beauty in all kinds of weather. So it can be no surprise that the #2021_creativegrowth June theme, was ‘Sea’.

In early June, I joined in with a free series of classes called ‘Find your Joy Starter’  run by Louise Fletcher @louisefletcher_art. It’s a pre-course taster to unlock creativity and it was fantastic. I so recommend you join in the next time she offers it. This little piece below came out of an exercise Louise come up with to help loosen up and encourage a free flowing style. 

Artists have to work hard promoting their workshops and courses by supplementing with free tasters, but it is a wonderful way to drum up enrolments and I heartily support their efforts. Artists like Louise Fletcher and Nicholas Wilton provide insights into their processes and principles and help you by explaining their lenses into creating art, which is so enlightening. I hugely appreciate them for so generously sharing their knowledge for free. Joining these courses is an obligation-free way of trying something new and learning new skills and techniques. You should try some.

I see that Marilou Cadiz Marshall @mariloucadizmarshall is running a weekend retreat on 10, 11 July if you are interested to learn about her art techniques creating contemporary botanically themed art and in preparation for a year long course.

Some of my favourites from the June ‘sea’ theme include these works.

This Emerson quote decorated in a joyful rustic way by Laura @laurariverowilson is bright and cheerful.

Ann’s @annld60 beautifully photographed peonies are like sea froth.

A few post-lockdown wee holidays inspired some creative interpretations too.

Sarah @sarah_dye_grace visited the Baltic Sea coast and curated her foraged and collected items in memory of her trip into a handmade box and a book - momentos to keep forever.

My favourite colours popped up in Annie’s @anniescraftroom interpretation of a seaside snap taken on a recent holiday 

And a holiday in France inspired Japan-based Akiko @akikojunistudio to paint tiny seaside vignettes. 

Thank you for participating and keep up the creative work. I enjoy checking in on the #2021_creativegrowth tag and seeing what pops up. 

 Onto July’s theme. 

This month’s theme is something everyone will identify with and that many of us love. You guessed it. That topic is ‘Food’. 

I gave up cooking (!) as my 2021 New Year's resolution and so far, my lack of cooking isn’t going too badly in my household. It doesn’t mean I don’t cook, it just means I cook a lot less and the interesting thing is that when it’s each of our turn to cook,  we make more of an effort, which makes the food more appetising. My cooking less makes everyone more creative :)

(Now doesn’t that just fit right in with the #2021_creativegrowth challenge! Who says it has to only be art ? And anyway, we’re all a little more rebellious these days and pushing out the challenge guidelines is actually ok!) 

So what’s your plan for this month’s food theme?

This quote below caught my eye in the #2021_creativegrowth tag this month and was posted by Marilou @mariloucadizmarshall.

So become creative and choose to pursue the activity mindfully - practice and play continuously and you’ll surprise yourself with what you can do. Half the year is over already, but there’s still time to start a creative habit. So, go on, join us! 

Happy arting. 

Until next time.

Claudia x

I must go down to the sea again ...

Another month, another theme.

‘Sky’ was our theme in May. I don't know about you, but I found it a tricky challenge despite seeing sky every day of my  life in some or other form, clear or covered, or wild or whispy, or dark and distant. I found it so difficult to replicate artistically. 

Wide sky, dramatic sky or tiny sky - these posts were some of the inspirations reflected in the #2021_creativegrowth challenge in May that I loved and why.

Laura @laurariverowilson painted this bold, bright coastal scene with the loveliest blues.  

And then on the other side of the country, Ann @ald65walks posted an azure sky with white blossoms - such synergy with Laura's painting above, and the blues so reminiscent of a bright, spring day heralding the promise of warmer days to come.

Rose @roserobertswriter  brings a calm to your feed through her #mydailydoseofcalm  tag. Rose celebrated sky and nature with her reel. Her soothing voice read Mary Oliver’s  poem ‘When I am among the trees” which was lovely interlude in my feed.

Sofia @fishearring, once again, invites us into her stories. This time with a peep of sky and bluebells to frame her carefully constructed collages, using a combination of text and images so perfectly positioned. Collages are harder to create than it seems, but Sofia manages the balance, colours and words, just right. And then pops them into beautiful surroundings.

And so onto the theme for June. Can you believe that we are nearly halfway through the year?

This month’s theme is ‘sea’. 

What will be your inspiration? Will a poem inspire or a visit to the beach? Or a moment of emotion you remember, that brings back memories of the sea? The pandemic has affected our lives in so many ways and not being able to walk along the ocean during lockdowns was something I sorely missed and don’t take for granted. 

Some Insta artists I’ve gathered to inspire for the sea theme this month are for:

• moody sea art @toritiptonart 
• realism @evejuliet_art (and who also does beautiful botanical paintings)
• 3D style resin art @amywalkerart
• fabric art @karolina.bkraft

Have a great creative month, but don’t stress if you can’t create regularly. Even a little attempt goes a long way. 

Art on.

Claudia x