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This is MY journey....

12/1/2019

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...Where ever did that year go? I cannot believe it's been 12 months since my last blog post. At the time I was overflowing with excitement and wrote about my hopes and dreams and plans for my art in the year ahead. Well things didn't exactly go to plan in that respect. Not that I've been sitting around for 12 months. Since purchasing my home 3.5 years ago I have been saving every cent I can to renovate. And so it began. I didn't intend to stop painting but it soon became apparent that I can only fit one 'extra' thing in my life. Plus I couldn't even get to my paints for months as the contents of my kitchen were piled up in front. So rather than go insane trying to attempt the impossible I chose to put my art on hold for a while....

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Expect Amazing!

12/1/2018

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Yes... another Christmas has come and gone since my last update. They just seem to do that now... come and go without too much hooplah which is really nice for a grin and bear it type person like me. Perhaps it's an age thing, or a now my boys are older thing, or maybe even a society is changing thing... I'm not sure but I hope it's the latter. I hope we're somehow magically evolving into a race with a much calmer (much less costly) Christmas spirit. You know, one where everyone just gets together and gives thanks for what we already have.... that would do me. And now... here we are again heading into another year. What will it bring? I won't bore you with my hopes for good health, world peace and a happy home... but that would do me too : )

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Matters of the HeART

11/9/2017

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​Although I'm sure I've not been greatly missed I do feel the need to apologise for my absence of late. Exactly where did the past 6 months go anyway? For me.... well let's just say my heart has needed me more than my art and I haven't felt much like sharing.

They say love should be easy, but I expect whoever said that wasn't a 52 year old single working mum with 2 teenage boys, a mortgage, an anxiety disorder and a burning desire to paint and create something more. It's not easy when your prince charming shows up on his white (orange :) horse, ticks all your boxes, steals your heart away and everything should be so freaking amazing but....

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Arty Wisdom

8/3/2017

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I always try to be upbeat and positive and wise and inspiring when I blog... with a little bit of try to be funny thrown in : ) But lets face it... life isn't always like that is it? Noooooo. Some days suck and we've just gotta suck it up and keep going. I'm having one of those days/weeks. Ironically it's my goddamn stupid wisdom tooth that's the culprit (which idiotic fool called them 'wisdom' teeth anyway?)... it had to come out last friday and I've been in agony ever since. Grrrrr.. so annoying... I'm really not good with shit getting in the way of my plans. Thankfully I'm feeling a little better today and atleast it's given me some time to blog however I'm afraid you'll just have to take me as I am for this one...  I do promise not to swear too much : )

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Merry Christmas Everyone xxx

10/12/2016

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​Sharing time again… I wanted to get a quick update in before Christmas and of course wish everyone a Very Merry one. Firstly though I wanted to share my view atm... how amazing is that!

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The Magic of Spring

5/9/2016

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Well so much for my amazing comeback (see my last post :) In my defence tho I certainly haven't been slacking off. I decided before getting my paints out again I'd quickly create some prints. Of course it was at this point my 'can't do anything by halves' brain took over and a few quick prints turned into a whole range of lifestyle products and a flash new website complete with shopping cart to house it all in! All of this is something that's been in my creative pipe-line for some time now.. apparently it's time had come. And while it was huge and consumed my every spare second for 2 months (yes I'm still working on the whole balance thing :) I'm so so glad I pushed through all those "I cannot do this" moments to get to the "Wow.. look what I did" ones.  

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I'm an INFJ and I'm OK :)

2/7/2016

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Lately I've found it extra difficult finding the time to create... it's been 8 weeks since I picked up my paints :( It's always been difficult, it's always been a battle, I've always had to squeeeeeze it in somewhere, make it happen somehow, you know... do whatever it takes. Then of course, something/one else always suffers and the guilt sets in. It's a constant battle, and sometimes I lose. Sometimes the only thing left to do is throw my hands in the air and say "well, I tried but I just can't do it at the moment", and kindly give myself some space. So that's what I'm calling the past few months.. space to breath. But I'm back, refreshed and renewed and so ready to hit the canvas and give it another shot. Still not sure how or where I'm gonna fit it in... I'll just have to try harder I guess :) 
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Follow Your Heart, Embrace Your Weird.

14/3/2016

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After much thought I recently decided to reduce the cost of all of my art, some by almost half. I've had a very successful 2015. My art has been selling and I get so many lovely comments and compliments.. it's very nice. And so with that I've been gradually increasing my pricing... why wouldn't I? That's what artists do isn't it? That's what logic is telling me to do after all I'm a single working mum with 2 teenage boys and a mortgage... every single extra cent helps.
Thing is though... that's not what my heart is saying. My heart is saying keep it affordable for everyone Phillipa. Don't give it away but keep it reasonable so hopefully, hopefully... every single person who sees it and loves it has the opportunity to have it. Honestly, I don't want my art hanging around waiting for those who can afford it to decide they have a spot for it. I want my art in homes being loved and enjoyed and appreciated.. brightening a wall, a room, a space.. a life. That's what my heart tells me. That's what feels right. And really... I don’t need the money, I have everything I need, my boys, family and friends, our health, home, faith, love, my paints… what more could I want?

Mind you this wasn't an easy decision.. I've been deliberating for weeks. But if I've learnt anything in the past 5 years it's to follow my instincts, listen to my heart when it speaks, let it speak, shut up and listen! Trust and believe that deep inside I know what's best for me. 

In the end it was easy... I woke one morning without a doubt. Decision made... I would reduce my current prices... look at each piece I have for sale and price them according to what feels right. More heart less head. And that's how I'll price my art from now on. Yaaaay!!! I'm so excited.. I know it's the right thing to do.

Now I have to share this little foot note...

That same morning I began the day with my usual workout to my usual fave exercise tunes but somehow the wrong playlist came on, wierd as no one had touched my ipod since yesterdays workout. Still... from the 267 songs in that playlist the song that came on first was Jessie J's "Price Tag".. it's not about the money money money. Ha ha... co-incidence maybe? 

Then.... later that afternoon I received a message from a lovely lady who had seen my "Blooming Brilliant" piece on facebook and wanted to purchase it. She was unable to afford the price I had on it and so I asked her how much her budget allowed at the time. Unbelievably the figure she gave me was exactly the same as the figure I had decided earlier that same day to reduce it to! We chatted and I learned she is a single mother of 10 (yes 10!), a creative soul like me with very little time but loads of hopes and dreams and ambitions... like me : ) And now she has my art in her lovely home. How good is that? Blooming Brilliant I'd say : )

Wow.. thank you thank you Universe... love your work xx
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BLOOMING BRILLIANT
I have sold these too... all to lovely lovely homes of course : ).. A few old friends, a wedding gift, a lovely lady from the USA, a daughters birthday....
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These are my latest few....
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UNITED WE STAND
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CUPPA LOVE (SOLD)
Aaaaand... Drum roll... you may recall the the sneak peak I gave in my last post of the largest painting I've ever attempted. Measuring in at 1000x1200mm... wait for it....
Actually... now might be a good time to quickly show you some of my very first paintings. Can you believe I began doing miniatures? Most were no bigger than my hand and I remember thinking I'd be happy to paint that size forever... such was the size of my self belief back then. My how things have changed : )
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From that to this in 5 years...

To think when I painted those miniatures I had no idea what lay ahead of me. Deep down I knew I had something much much bigger inside me. And I knew soon I would have to leap into the unknown and somehow somehow find the courage to find it. 

I hope with all my heart that if you have bigger dreams inside you but are staying put because it's easier than going... please...  just atleast take steps every single day towards your truth. Do something.. talk to a friend, see a counsellor, read up, do a course. You don't have to leap until you're ready but you'll never be ready if you don't do something today. It took me 5 years of just doing something today. Now I'm free and living my dream really. And believe me... if I can do it, you can too!
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THE POWER OF ONE
There will come a day when your fight is bigger than your fear. When you nearly claw your way out of your body to prove you exist. Leave that skin for someone else and design your own wings. You are a masterpiece, magnificent in your own glory. Natalie Patterson
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THE POWER OF ONE
I've read this book. Wow! Amazing! Definitely near the very top of my Best Book Ever list :) It spoke to the core of my being in a simple but oh so powerful way. Every page is a hit of inspiration and encouragment.... Embrace Your Weird, Leap Into Yourself, Answer The Ache, Forge Don't Follow, You Are Your Message, Speak Up I Can't Hear you, Your Light Is Needed Here, The World Needs You. A definite must read for those of us who long to reach out and touch others with our stories, our journeys, our ups and downs. I could feel myself growing braver with ever page, so look out :) LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!! ​
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Light Is The New Black
by Rebecca Campbell (an Aussie :)

I got my copy at here
Embrace your weird. Love that! Might be my mission for March I think :) 

Ok.. thats enough blogging. I have a whole Sunday at home and my paints are calling me!
​Love to all.
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My Word of the Year 2016

12/2/2016

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Happy not so New Year everyone :) how was your Christmas? Mine was quite nice... relatively stress free which is just wonderful really compared to previous years atleast. Things are definitely looking up... hopefully by next Christmas I'll be filled to overflowing with merry and cheer :)

Firstly.. my apologies for the length of this post but it's taken me 6 weeks of serious soul searching and 4 almost complete, scrapped at the last minute drafts to write it so I reckon it deserves some air time. I've been trying desparately to figure out my thing for the year ahead. I love to have a word for the year. The last few years I've chosen BEGIN and BELIEVE... these words have helped me so so much. For me they are like a huuuuge hit of inspiration, an instant reminder of what's most important to keep me on track. I also love that the process of chosing my word makes me dig deep. It unearths exactly where I'm at, where I most want to be and what I need to do NOW to get there. Priceless!

Anyway, it wasn't easy this year. Actually it's been mega difficult. Only that I can't stand letting things beat me I would have given up weeks ago. I got frustrated because I'm really quite happy and content but I'm also well aware there are so many things I need and want to work on... balance, courage, health, my finances, etc, etc. But nothing really rocked me like my words have in previous years. None of them felt big enough or inspired me to move mountains and I really really want my word to move mountains.

To be honest I feel like I've survived the storm and all is calm and bright and lovely and sunny now which is very nice... I've been lapping it up for a while now :) But everything has been tossed about and left in a big mess. There's remnants of the much more organised and in control me scattered everwhere. I need to get stuck in and do a big tidy up before I can happily sail off into the sunset. I need to get all those annoying little (some not so little :) bits and pieces of my life in order again, all those things I let slide, all the balls I had to drop. I need to regroup, tidy up the periferals, regain some focus and control. Regroup! That's exactly how I feel. That's it!!! That's my word.....
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Not an earth shattering word I know but it feels so right and I'm so excited! As soon as I began to see all the mess as one big chunk I can get my teeth into I instantly felt a huge surge of motivation.. that's just how I roll.. that's a mountain I can move :)

So I have my REGROUP LIST (my mountain) and I can't wait to tick everything off by the end of the year (ok so it may take a little longer but that's ok :) First on the list is my health and fitness... I've started my morning workouts again :) and I can't wait to be the healthiest me ever. Maybe I'll tackle the whole balance thing next. Or my finances.. budget, set some goals, save for a holiday maybe.. yay!!! And courage.. now that's a whole mountain on it's own but I can't wait to start climbing! Hmmmm... maybe I should look at my time management skills first :) 

Oh and of course there's my art but it's always there.. ticking over. My boys and my art and my genie are my constant, my base. Thats just a given.

Anyway that's enough on that.. far out I'm so glad it's done, what a marathon. Can't believe its half way through Feb already :) 
​Ok.. so here's what's been happening of late...

Prior to Christmas my genie had been hinting like a sledge hammer for me to do a painting for him. He was quite specific... he's had a lifelong love of all things motocross and so the brief was: ktm orange, yamaha blue, suzuki yellow, honda red, the numbers 65, 64 & 47 and some or all of the words attitude, confidence, balance, belief, commit. He also gave me some sprockets and other motorbike bits to use if I wanted, then said go for it gorgeous! 

I'm so loving the outcome and he was blown away when I gifted it to him on Christmas Day which was very special... so nice that I could give back to such a wonderful, kind and giving man.
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COMMIT - 1000x750mm Acrylic on stretched canvas (Not for sale)
My very first brush strokes for 2016 were oh so bold. While he was away I (and my genie :) renovated my son Mitch's bedroom. Unwilling to afford the cost of floor covering we decided to rip up the carpet and paint the existing yellow tongue flooring orange... yes bright orange!!! Still can't believe I did that but I am so loving the outcome. We also designed and build the bedhead wall from old fence paling which was a creative challenge and looks amazing. So so thrilled with the outcome.. and my bravery :)
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I have painted these...
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ANOTHER ECLECTIC SUCCESS
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ENTICING
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AN AIR OF CONFIDENCE
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BLOOMING BRILLIANT
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SUMMER LOVE
And sold these...
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Got down and dirty with my new Dyllusions Paints...
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Read this book by my all time fave author ...
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Took some selfie lessons from a pro :)
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Won 'Shearer of The Year' which means nothing to most but a lot to me!
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And most recently I've had the pleasure of hanging some of my art in one of my most fave spaces. Worn Out Wares is a wonderful little eclectic homewares/gift shop, courtyard cafe and the most amazing floristry here in Singleton... it's a very cool place! It's also my day job so be sure to drop in and say hi if you're nearby or travelling through.
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And/or you could pop over to Gemelli Estate for some Wine, Art & Inspiration. Most of my work is there, all available for sale. Browse while you taste... nice!!
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So that's about it from me for now. I'm a little excited... I've just thrown the first few layers on the largest canvas I'v ever attempted to work with. Here's a sneak peak of a small section of it so far. Who knows where it will lead :) ....
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And who knows where 2016 will lead.. I have a good feeling about this one. Yes.. things are most definitely looking up :) 
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My gift to me and my friend....

1/12/2015

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​In the months since my last update I've gifted myself some space. After years of not having a home to call my own I gave myself permission to get lost in the joy and comfort of my new home. I allowed myself to neglect almost everything else to make room in my mind and heart and soul, to breath in and lap up every wonderful moment of it. I think I deserve that. Actually, I think I owe it to myself, and to my faithful friend the universe.... a precious gift to us for doing what it took to find and own my own beautiful amazing perfect home. For persevering and doing the hard yards, taking the knock-backs then getting back up and knocking again and again and again. For believing in myself despite my ever present doubts and fears and for trusting the universe to somehow somehow find a way. For working so hard and saving so much and not settling for anything less than I knew in my heart I deserved and was capable of achieving. And we did it! OMG we did it! I sit on my beautiful back deck often and look at my beautiful back yard and pinch myself : ) How ever did I make this happen? So proud of me! Just saying : )
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I just have to add here for the benefit of anyone reading this who needs to hear it... nothing is impossible. And miracles do happen.  Believe me!  3 years ago there was no foreseeable chance of me ever having the finances to purchase a home of my own at all let alone a nice one... but here I am. I won't go into detail... that is a whole nother story for a whole nother day, briefly though it involves a huge downturn in the mining industry, house prices plummeting, interest rates dropping to an all time low, the perfect house in the perfect spot at the perfect time, a last chance loan approval after 14 rejections, $30,000 unpreserved super (the exact amount I was short which was not available last time I checked!), and...  just so I didn't freak out and bale at the final hurdle... an angel in the shape of a beautiful white husky dog. Wow! See what can happen when you believe, when you don't give up or settle for less, when you just get up and do whatever it takes and then get the hell out of the way... mountains can move and dreams can come true.

I am truly blessed and I thank the universe every single day for being on my side x
And my boys for being my reason xx
Oh and my magic genie for everything else : ) xxx
Ok.. so enough about that Phillipa!

What about your art I hear you ask? Well... I couldn't neglect my new studio now could I? Gosh, I'm such a lucky little artist at the moment.. feeling very blessed to have such an amazing space to create in.

​This is what has emerged from it and me since my last update...
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These lovelies you will find hanging at my Grow & Believe Exhibition at Gemelli Estate.
​Wine, art and inspiration... nice!  

​Note you will find detailed info on all my art in my On-line Gallery
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FLOWER POWER
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STAND TALL
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BURSTING WITH HAPPY
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POP PLANT
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A TOUCH OF CLASS
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WHITE HOT
These you will find at That Little Art Place here in Singleton where I am the featured artist for the month of December...
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FAMILY
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TROPICAL HEAT
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TUTTI FRUTTI
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GRANDIOSE
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THE SECRET GARDEN
These cute little 8"x10"s are very affordable at just $48 each. Available at That Little Art Place
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MY FAVOURITE VASE
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BLOOMIN' COOL
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MY 2ND FAVOURITE VASE
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AMAZING!
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SERENDIPITY
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HARLEQUIN ROSE
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Not a bad effort considering : )
Of course just contact me if you see anything you'd like or need more info.
I'm also very proud and excited to share with you the creative efforts of my Mitch who I might add is just 13 years old. We've set up our garage as a workshop and he's started a little business making and selling furniture and stuff made from old pallets... its called "Rustic Stuff"
This is his first piece... my coffee table. Love love love it!!!
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Obviously feeling a little more confident he then created this piece. Another coffee table which he calls his Swirl Design. It's for sale, a bargain at just $150.. it has so much character. Head over to Rustic Stuff if you like.
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And yesterday he threw this little Christmas Tree together... how cool is that. Made to order you can have one if you like at just $45... contact Mitch at Rustic Stuff.
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So that's us for now. I will attempt to stay sane enough through the coming Silly Season to post again before Christmas... no promises though (see my post last Christmas post : )​

Merry Christmas everyone : )
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