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. I won't bore you too much with my reno except to say that for me... it is freaking huuuuge and without doubt the most mentally challenging and physically demanding thing I've ever done, but also the most rewarding. I'm determined to update the entire house, inside and out.. including the kitchen and 2 bathrooms within my budget of just $25,000. So far the renovating Gods have been kind to me and I'm (mostly) loving it... now that most of the really hard physical work is done.. I hope! Get the picture....

I'm a long way from finished but atleast I have the main living spaces livable again and my bedroom and upstairs bathroom are complete. 

My upstairs bathroom was very old and outdated. I removed the old vanity, sourced matching tiles (not easy), retiled and grouted where the old vanity was (easy), removed all the towel rails and shower shelf (with a grinder because the screws were stripped.. sooo much fun :), removed all the silicon from around the bathtub (worst job ever), painted the walls, arcs and ceiling (yes I love painting walls too :), painted the tiles... prep, 2 undercoats, 3 topcoats plus sand between each coat (big job), repositioned the new vanity with an inexpensive Bunnings (my second home :) cabinet then sourced a stone top from offcuts at a local kitchen place, spent days sourcing the nicest / best value toilet, tapwear, hand rails, basin, mirror, etc both on-line and locally.. then haggled (saved $600), replaced the toilet, resiliconed the bathtub, fitted all the tapwear, rails, etc. Job done!!! All this without one tradesman. I had help with the plumbing and vanity install but youtube and I did everything we possibly could ourselves. All for just under $2,000.

I keep forgetting to take before photos but I do have one plus some of the in between and after. 

So proud of it. And me :) 
​Ok so that's the smallest room in the house done.. yay!!! 

Aaaand I have my studio back. Just in time too because holy frioli I need to paint. Not my house but my heART. Turns out it's what keeps me sane which of course I should have known. I have absolutely no idea how I'm gonna fit all this in but I'm determined to keep moving forward with both. My art will be my priority now, if the reno takes another year.. or 5 then so be it. 

So I started with these little 20x20mm (8"x8") cuties, just to warm up and get the paint flowing through my veins again. Can you believe the first two sold within hours of showing them to the world... thank you thank you art Gods :) The 3rd is a gift for my sister.

I've also decided to spend some (virtual) time painting along with my very favourite artist and role model Flora Bowley who's intuitive artistic style and warm inspiring heart is where I always come home to when I need some art and life encouragement and support. Her first monthly Real Time Live painting sessions saw me out of bed at 5.30am last Sunday morning but was soooo worth it. We painted together for 2 hours... layers of learning, being brave and bold, letting go and having fun. Just what the doctor ordered.....

.... loving it so far although it's no where near finished and I have absolutely no idea where it will end up or how it will get there. I'm just gonna do the work, trust the process, believe in myself and have faith that something amazing WILL appear.  Aaaah... such is life :)

And because I love watching the tennis but don't want to waste time.. I created this in a graphics program (Coreldraw). I'd love to sell large scale framed graphic prints one day. What do you think?

Sharing a pic of my amazing Mitch all suited up for his Year 10 formal. So proud :) Mitch has spent the past 6 months off school and on crutches with a very nasty knee injury after coming off his motorbike (again). So that's been another long and difficult journey for him (us) just to get him to surgery which was 7 days before his formal hence the brace... there was no way he was going to miss it. That's my Mo xxx

So that's about it for now. I will share more of my reno as I go... I hope you don't mind. I had intended to just touch on it but writing this has.. again, shown me that I am achieving. I am moving forward. And can I just say... more for my own benefit than yours.... this is my journey. It's ok that sometimes I have massive hopes and dreams and plans and best intentions, and other times I'm lost and overwhelmed and tired and filled with fear and doubt. It's ok that sometimes I can be  passionate and energetic and willing and able, and other times I just can't. It's ok that sometimes I can move mountains and other times I have to take dolly steps.  And it's ok that.. despite my intentions and my words, sometimes my plans change... and  sometimes I change my plans. It's all ok. This journey of mine may meander around and up and down and seemingly take forever to get anywhere. But it's all O K. It's all perfectly ok Phillipa, you are where you're meant to be. JUST KEEP GOING and you WILL get there. 

As Thomas Edison once said.... I failed my way to success. I don't think I'm failing but I can definitely relate to that. Sometimes it seems like 1 step forward and 2 steps back, but it's all forward motion I guess. I reckon if good old Thomas E. can do it, so can I... ha ha. At least I don't have to do it in the dark :) I am blessed in so many ways.

​A huuuuge thank you to Greg... I am forever grateful and hope I get the chance to repay you someday xxx

And to my Dad (and his boots :) ... you are the best! xxx

Have an awesome 2019 everyone!!!​

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 : )

Having said that.... oh I am soooo excited about my arty plans for 2018. There's a fire that burns inide me, a passion to paint and create fulltime doing what I love, sharing my own brand of arty wisdom with the world. And right there is a whole nother mountain to climb... oh I have no idea where to start! But then neither did Kelly Rae or Flora... yet they found a way to reach across the world and touch my heART with their amazingness. If they can do it maybe I can too. I just know I have to try and I've said it now so it's out of my hands : ) ....

Speak your dreams into existence and the universe will attract the right circumstances for it to be realised. Marcus Thomas

For now tho lets wind up 2017...

Another day another commission : ) and what a pleasure this one was. The brief wasn't super specific which can be helpful, or not. Jenny and Geoff visited my Gemelli Estate Gallery for inspiration before we met for coffee where I was shown a pic of their favourite gallery pieces both of which were very different. Their teal kitchen and a plain background were mentioned then Jen sent me the approx size plus a pic of the flower in their kitchen tile and a video clip of the room it would hang in. All I could do was keep aaaall that in mind, trust the art gods then go for it!

Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist. Pablo Picasso

In the background of my selfie is a very special painting. It's one of my very early works, back when I was just becoming brave enough to 'go big'. This one was waaaay bigger than any I'd attempted before. It was also not long after my marriage breakdown. I was broken as were my boys. We were all just trying to be strong and survive. After I'd finished this piece I stood back and realised I'd painted us... the three of us with those tiny stems, so fragile but still standing, so sad but determined, me on the left standing guard over my relaxed and easy going eldest son and my never a dull moment youngest on the right. I named it 'Good Things Grow in Three's', it hangs above my bed and reminds me that I am stronger than I look (and often feel) and also just how far we've come my boys, my art and I : )

Then these two little lovelies appeared. You can see all the details and purchase on-line or in real life at my Gemelli Estate Gallery if you like : )

Oh I struggled so much with this one. It took me forever to love those hydrangeas, I could not get them right at all. After many hours of getting it wrong I literally swiped my brush across the canvas in frustration. See that white smear across the top blue flower, to the right of the red one... oh it was love at first sight. So I just kept swiping, layering the different shades, then added some scribbly white bits... perfect! The background has a quiet misty calm that I just love too. Another all time favourite I think and a (not so) subtle reminder to loosen up and colour outside the lines a little Phillipa : )

I'm still learning so much. Each painting gives me another tricky little technique to keep and carry with me adding dimension and character to the next one. I feel that lately my art has turned another corner, evolved again... I'm loving where I'm at at the moment and can't wait to see what shows up on my canvas in 2018.

I read these books....

Oh and I found this 30 Day Yoga course with the lovely Adriene and am enjoying my morning journey back to me.

And my latest painting... a final blast to see out what has been a huge year of amazing ups and difficult downs, always striving and learning and growing. I named it Think Big! because if feels like a big bright bold and beautiful taste of whats to come....

And it is a biggen at 1200x1000mm (48"x40"). Available on-line here or in real life here.

And fittingly my very first sale for 2018 came yesterday... titled EXPECT AMAZING. So awesome!!!

Thank you art Gods... I shall do my very best to let it be :)
Big love and luck for 2018 everyone!!!

Apparently... sometimes love just isn't enough... life and aaaaaaall that other stuff gets in the way and even the most perfect, meant for each other soul mate kinda couples like us can't find a way and before you know it there you are, faced with that heart breaking, horrendously impossible, decision.... 

In the end we had no choice. Walking away this time was perhaps the hardest thing I've ever done. But enough of that for now. Less violins and more rocky music I say...

But first let me play you a love song : ) .....

And this is us at the wedding... me and my boys and my prince charming to whom I am truly truly forever grateful. Greg is the kindest most loving man and despite what was a very difficult time for us he was there for me when I needed him most. Had it not been for his love and support we may never have made it to the wedding at all. I am so so blessed to have these three amazing men in my life... filling it with laughter and tears, joy and pain, fear and hope and love. Lots and lots and lots of love. I am so blessed : ) Oh and a big shout out to my brother Matt who took this photo. You can find more of his awesomeness at Hotshotz Photography.

Now... less mushy stuff and more art  : ) ...

Then a friend suggested I try painting a pineapple and I thought why not.  So I did : )

I was a bit stuck then. I was broken and hurting and couldn't bring myself to paint flowers. I needed to play, have fun, let go and just enjoy the process. So I decided to throw some paint around and see what appeared. I tried hard to trust the process and let it take me wherever. Love love and love.....

And then this happened.... 

Looking back now... I think I seriously under estimated just how far this painting would push me artistically and even more so how much of me personally it would consume. Underneath those smiles are many many layers of how not to paint four beautiful daughters, weeks and weeks of showing up without a clue how I was going to bring the girls to life and do them justice, hours and hours and hour of omg Phillipa what were you thinking... it's impossible... just give up!

​And there's that decision again... do I walk away or do I try harder?

Now what else did I do worth sharing? 

And loads of self care therapy....

And then just in case like me you're left wanting more... here's another.
Love this lady so much.

Ummmm... what else?

Last weekend I picked up my paints again. I gladly let myself collapse back into what I know best, my arty default mode... light bright bold fresh fun flowers. It was so nice to be back. This is what evolved.... gotta be happy with that :)

It's so nice to have my heart and my art back where they belong. I hope my honesty and my little life story helps inspire even just one other person to try harder. Sometimes it's just a matter of stopping for a moment and re-adjusting your sails, finding a better way to keep going so that you can do what ever it takes to ride off into your own sunset... that's where the good stuff is right?

Big love.

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 : )

So here's all the paintings I've completed which you can purchase on-line or in person at my gallery.

And then there's this gorgeous thing... honestly sometimes I blow my mind. I know that sounds super cocky but it's hard not to be when you just love to paint and so you make a start, try this colour here, that stencil there, oh that looks like a tree, add some flowers and then somehow you end up with this and you look at it and go... well how the hell did that happen? I guess it's really not that simple and I have learnt alot but I still am in awe of what evolves sometimes, and this is one of those times.

I also love trees, all trees are amazing but some are just beyond amazing. So this one is a blooming bright and beautiful tribute to every single tree that ever has and ever will grace this planet... we would be nothing without them!

I mentioned my Mitch's accident so let's get that out of the way. You may recall back in May last year I blogged about my worst nightmare when Mitch had a motocross crash and was flown to hospital... luckily he was ok. Well can you believe he did it again... yep my worst nightmare take two! Only this time he wasn't so lucky... a broken femur, surgery and a rod inserted from hip to knee which will stay there forever, a week in hospital and months of recovery. What can I say! There's nothing to say really.. he will be fine. It could have been sooo much worse.. don't even want to think about that. Oh and another huuuuge shout out to all the amazing ambulance, emergency and medical staff.. the Dr's and nurses.. so many wonderful people who cared for Mitch. He is walking again this week without crutches which he's over the moon about. 

With all that behind us I can see my next hurdle will be dealing with the people who are quite adamant and vocal about whether I should allow Mitch to ride again. I guess their heart is in the right place when they say "there's no way I'd let him back on a bike", but it's really not that simple. He is determined to ride again, he cannot wait to get back on his bike and follow his dream. It's all he talks about, it's what pushes him to get better. And as hard as its going to be for me (and it will be absolute torture) it's gotta be more important that I don't let my fears get in the way of his passions, his dream, his will to (in his words) not let all the bad shit get in the way of the good stuff. Don't you think? It's a tricky one I know. I'm trying not to think about it too much just yet.. we've still got a few months of healing to get through... both of us :)

I also mentioned I've been trying to loosen up with my art. It's the hardest thing for me.. I'm such a bloody perfectionist I can't seem to just leave things alone. So I decided to do a course by the loosest artist I know. I have always loved the art of Mindy Lacefield.. her work is like a big beautiful childlike mess that somehow looks amazing. I figure if I take a giant leap into loose and messyville I might just land back in between that and where I'm at now.. if that makes sense. 

Her course "Let The Paint Speak" was excellent.. I was mesmerized just watching her paint and play.. nothing is sacred or special, it's all just a playful journey, and the way she brings her characters to life is truly unbelievable to watch.. well it was for me :)

It was also a chance for me to take a leap into the big scary world of the human form... yes painting people! Flowers are much more forgiving : )

Here's a snippet from the course....​

And here's my first piece from the course...

And... I've been planning a make over of my gallery. I'm perhaps the luckiest artist in the whole world... to have such an amazing space to hang and sell my work is so amazing, I have to pinch myself often. So I've decided it's time I made the most of it, I also wanted to give back to the lovely Rebecca at Gemelli Estate who has been so kind and supportive of me and my art. It's been quite a huge task bringing it all together but with the help of my nearest and dearest (thank you Dad and Bill) last Sunday we put in the hard yards and......

WOW... not even in my wildest dreams....
Thank you thank you Rebecca and the art gods.

Well that's about it from me... I hope you find something in there to inspire and brighten your day. Writing it has raised my spirits and reminded me that I am achieving. It's been a huge and difficult few months in even more ways than I've mentioned here... maybe my wisdom tooth knew I needed a rest : )

Stay well everyone, and don't forget to floss : )

​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!

Yes I am one of those crazy cricket mums who loves nothing more than to while away an entire afternoon watching my boys play. Well when I say while away... so long as I have my laptop and can be doing while I'm whiling :) I’m in happy multi-tasking mum heaven. Today.. right now.. as I type my thoughts I am watching my Albie bowl. I am right there with his every ball... willing a wicket or two as us mums do. He’s a spin bowler and…. oh yay! A wicket. Oh my heart is doing high fives : ) A stumping. Well done Alb! Yes! Now where was I? Oh yes… he’s a spin bowler bowling to the top order atm which means (for those not so cricket crazy mums) if he doesn’t get it right he’s gonna get smashed all over the park… oh dear like that one! Oh woohoo… very next ball another wicket!! Oh I’m so happy for him. Caught at mid-off. That’s my boy : ) Well done Alb!!! Anyway… drinks now so I’ll try to stay focused. Here’s what’s been happening on the crazy artist front…

​And I’ve had fun creating some prints with my favourite words of inspiration. I’m a bit of font fanatic, and a quote addict… I often jump on Instagram or Pinterest knowing that the universe will throw me the perfect words at the perfect time to point me in the right direction … amazing! 

In my studio I’ve been trying different techniques, playing with the paint. I still never tire of seeing what emerges in the end and can never wait to get started on my next piece. Again… you can find all of my available art in my on-line shop. Or if you would like to get up close and personal pop out to my gallery at the lovely Gemelli Estate in the beautiful Hunter Valley Wine Country. It houses all of my art and prints not to mention some very delicious wine : )

​I’ve also taken another giant leap with my art recently accepting the challenge of two commissions. You have no idea how daunting this has been. I’ve always painted intuitively, simply playing with the paint until something evolves, then all I have to do is bring it to life. The thought of having special requests and rules and expectations and deadlines.… scary stuff! But there comes a time. I’ve either turned down or procrastinated over so many commission requests to date I seriously just needed to suck it up, face my fears and do it. And so I did...

And my lovely cousin Linda contacted me after seeing the piece I created for the Singleton Vet Hospital Beyond Blue fundraiser back in July...

The brief: "I love, love this painting Phillipa! Can you do another one for me?"

Now you'd think I'd be cool with that..  just do the same again. Nope! Aaaah.. exactly how did I create those roses and get that background gradient just right? I remember I painted the roses and vase first then added in the background last leaving a white hightlight around each flower. Hmmmm... hopefully I can do it again! Yep... thank you again art gods and thank you Linda :)

Soooo…. looks like I'm accepting commisions now! Contact me if you'd like a special piece to brighten a space in your home or to give as a special unique gift. I will put my heART into creating something amazing just for you :)

And so for homework... I took three days off work a week before christmas for a very well deserved and much needed few days away with my Mitch and my man. Life, love, sunshine and sea air… no adequate words to describe how amazingly awesome that was : ) !!!

Oh wow! Speaking of being in the present... Albie just got another wicket, another stumping!!! Woohoo :) Love this game/life!

Merry Christmas everyone! I truly hope it delivers you a wicket or two (or three :) Have fun, play hard but fair and try not to get smashed all over the park :) Mostly tho... be kind to yourself, remember your needs matter too.  Catch ya next year.

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.  

It feels like I now have an amazing base, a beautiful new space to house not only my art but my heART and soul and all the amazingness I find and learn along the way and need to pass on just incase someone else needs it too. I've taken the big leap and added a beautiful SHOP to my website where those who love my work can easily browse and safely purchase. A bit scary but I'm so excited.

And... Yay!... I have teamed with redbubble.com to created a beautifully unique range of lifestyle products including canvas prints, gift cards, cushions, clothing and more. 

So now I feel like there's nothing left to do but what I love most... paint and create. Then put it all out there for the world to see and let the universe do the rest. Wish me luck : )

Here's a taste of whats to come and how it all comes together using my original artworks and the graphic design skills I've picked up over the years.

Each painting I create goes through many layers and lives. I always try to remember to take loads of photos of it's progress so I now have a huuuge library of potential backgrounds.

Of course I also have photos of aaaall my paintings so I can digitally extract any of the flowers, leaves, stems, vases, etc. and use them for my prints.

Then I can  mix and match backgrounds and flowers and vases and words and create something unique and original and amazing all over again. The possibilities are endless... it's so much fun.

​Here's how this one came together....

Here's another....

Add a few stray leaves, a beautiful 'beautiful' across the top. Tweak. Upload. Vuala...

These are the other 3 designs I created using the same process + some of the products...

So here's what else has been happening since my last update..

Ok well I think that's me for now.
​
I'm so excited that spring is here, and as if to say "here I am" look what has magically bloomed around my lamp post in the front yard... sooooo amazingly beautiful... how lucky am I!!!

And it coincides perfectly with my own new beginnings. My new website and on-line shopping, the launch of my new product range, and... I've taken the big leap and re-arranged my work week so I now work just 4 days leaving me a day to paint and create which is more amazing than I can find words for.... yeeeaaah :) !!! I'm very excited... I really do feel like right now.. today.. is a new beginning for me. I've plowed and prepared and sown the seeds... I wonder what magic will bloom next...... 

Have a beautiful spring time everyone :)

You will find full details on all of my available art including size and cost in my On-line Gallery. You will find them in person at my Grow & Believe exhibition at Gemelli Estate.

And in other share worthy news....

The 16 Personalities Test is based on the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (I'll let Wiki explain that one). It is the go to personality test for corporations world wide. It takes about 10 to 15mins to complete and gives you a comprehensive 'Explore Your Type' report. My partner took the test also and was equally blown away by the accuracy and detail of the profiles. And it has given us a much deeper understanding of each otherand what makes us tick which is just priceless really. It's all very interesting and at the very least fun to do. Why not give it a go... you never know who you might find :)

In my family....
My son Mitch who is almost 14 races motocross... he is obsessed with all things motocross and wants to be all things motocross. This of course creates one of those horrendous motherly dillemas whereby we have to be all excited and supportive even though every cell in our body is saying no no no no no. Well my worst fears were realised a few weeks ago.. Mitch crashed and was air lifted to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital with a suspected broken leg and hip and possible spinal damage. Thankfully Mitch is the most flexible kid on the planet and while his leg went were no leg should go there were no breaks and he limped from hospital 3 days later with bruising, ligament and nerve damage... sore but otherwise ok. I'm happy to share he is fine now. And so am I :) However what I really want to share is the unbelievable care that Mitch received from the minute he crashed to the minute he walked from the hospital. I am in awe... 2 amazing first aider, 2 policemen, 4 paramedics in two ambulances, 2 paramedics and a doctor in the helicopter, an ultrasound at the track that showed no internal bleeding or organ damage, a team of 5 surgeons and neorosurgeons at the hospital and countless amazing nurses and other caregivers... it's all a bit of a blur now but there were so many. How lucky we are to have this available to us. I will never again take our emergency services, nurses and ancillary workers for granted. I will forever include them in my list of forever grateful fors and hope that I can one day repay them for taking such amazing care of my Mitch. 

Blessed to have sold these...

And of course in my studio....
I've been working on a very special piece. So thrilled to have been asked to donate a painting for the local Heights Vet Hospital's Beyond Blue fundraising event supporting peope with depression and anxiety. Having suffered from anxiety for over 30 years now I truly poured my heart into this painting with an aim to create something bright and happy, something that would bring light and bright and fun into someones home and life and of course help raise funds for a cause that is very close to my heart.

So that's about it from me for now. I'm sooooo excited to paint again so hopefully there'll be more to share soon.

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? 

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....

These are my latest few....

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....

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.

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.....

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.

I have painted these...

And sold these...

Got down and dirty with my new Dyllusions Paints...

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.

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!!

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 :) ....

And who knows where 2016 will lead.. I have a good feeling about this one. Yes.. things are most definitely looking up :) 

​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 : )

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

These you will find at That Little Art Place here in Singleton where I am the featured artist for the month of December...

These cute little 8"x10"s are very affordable at just $48 each. Available at That Little Art Place

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!!!

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.

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.

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 : )