So it's been a while hasn't it?! Thought it was probably time to check in and write a little update. Since I last wrote quite a lot has happened... I had a lovely little trip to Galacia at the beginning of August and then I had two days in London where I tied up all loose ends before catching the train to Bognor Regis - my hometown. For the next two days I caught up with my dad and started my intensive driving course. On the Saturday night I then zoomed back up to London and I came back down to Worthing on the Sunday with all of my things and dearest Henry. Then I went back to Boggers to finish my driving course. I passed... phew! So that was a mega week. My brain was fried with everything that's been going on in my personal life, and learning to drive on top of all of that in such a short space of time was hard going. I am really glad that I passed though as it is really going to help me with pretty much every endeavour in the future.
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| I passed! Thank you Bank Holiday/Goodwood Racing/Arundel Festival traffic! |
So, since passing and having a fun day out with dad and his crowd from The Alex to the Arundel Festival* I have moved to my mum and step dad's flat in Worthing. This is great as I can now paint and heal. This no longer involves indulgent foods and alcohol. The process has developed and I am now in my 'music phase'. There is rarely a moment when my headphones aren't in my ears. This must really annoy the people around me, but it's essential.
So, alongside indulging in music I have been busy trying to finish Ophelia. I have found completing this piece very restorative and I am glad that I hadn't finished it earlier on the year as I had originally hoped. For me, this piece is about the power of femininity, creativity and transformation. Calling her Ophelia is a bit of name-play.
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| Ophelia the Orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.) Started at the RHS' Botanical Art Show Pop-up Studio |
It does seem to be taking a long time to complete this piece. I think this is because I have become rather too accustomed to painting leaves and I'm just not used to working with so much pink! These petals are very different - very whole with little interruption along the surfaces. Big washes are needed and lots of time for drying. The amazing thing about this big beauty is how much yellow she has in her layers. I am mainly using my very old Daler Rowney paints for this one... Permanent Rose, Rose Madder, Phtalo Blue, Ultramarine, and W&N Transparent Yellow. In the green places I have the same colours, but in different proportions. I try not to add too many colours on one piece and stick to a limited palette. It's bad enough having five brushes in one hand, let alone tons of colour mixes! Well that's what I think anyway... The really funny thing is I have got a really big brush for these big washes and I can't really get it in my mouth when I am using the smaller brushes. I tend to bite on my brushes a lot you see, like a dog with a bone. It's useful as an extra hand, but sadly I am struggling with the 5-brush tactic this time around...
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| Close up on the Orchid |
Right-e-o, I think that's enough of an update from moi. I hope to update again a few times before my move to Spain on the 24th September. Don't forget that Inspiring Kew opens tomorrow!! I probably won't be going up to London as originally hoped, so I eagerly await to hear all about it from you...
* I highly recommend visiting the Arundel Festival. It's a brilliant arts-based trail and features some of the best artists in the area. Arundel itself is a beautiful town and over the weekend you also get to see musicians, performance artists and taste some very tasty food!
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