ARTISTS BLOG – SIMPLIFICATION
Artists Blog- Simplification:
Hello there – well I’m attempting to write regular blog posts, which I hope will be of interest to you all and the subject of this is Simplification.
My Day:
I’m a full time mum to two beautiful boys James (11) and Daniel (9). Even though I have all day to organise my life I still find it very challenging to fit it all in.
I am very privileged to be able to stay at home, run the household and manage the families comings and goings. But as all of us Mum’s and busy people know – it comes with challenges!
The Plan:
At the start of this year I decided to get off the couch and get my butt to the gym. I had hoped this would increase my energy levels so I could achieve more. They say “give a job to a busy person and it will get done”. So I thought it may well inspire me to get my day started early (aiming for 6:00 am), get the housework done, get fit and healthy and then have all this time for making beautiful art.
Progress:
Eureka! Yesterday I found that all of the jobs were done and yet I sat and thought “what next?” So, for the first time this year I painted! It was just for an hour, but boy did it feel good. I worked on the second layer of a painting of a beautiful scene in Raglan, NZ. I worked on blocking in all of the colours and trying to make sense of the painting and working out my focus point etc. I’m very happy with how it ended up and look forward to developing it further. The exciting stage!
So just getting organised a little bit earlier each day really helped! I hope I can keep it up.
What I’m Reading:
I am starting to read a book titled “The compound effect” by Darren Hardy “Small, Smart Choices + Consistency + Time = RADICAL DIFFERENCE”. I also have come across the 5 minute/room speed cleaning system – which definitely puts a dent in to the cleaning and not into my day. Amazing how doing a bit of youtubing can help to shape your life for the better.
Next Steps to simplify:
People often say that there should be a main area of focus in landscapes. My painting technique is still very tight (realism) but I enjoy every aspect of the scene that I am painting. I find it hard to not give it all the attention that it deserves. So this is an area that I am working on – simplification!
I am also trying to declutter the house, detox my body and work on telling a story in all of my paintings. What message am I trying to portray in my works? If I wanted a pretty picture I’d just keep the photo I originally took – there needs to be more of a story in my artwork . . . also works in progress.
Until next time:
Thanks for taking the time to view my blog – if you would like any further information on this piece or any other art info please get in contact or comment below.
As I am always experimenting I’d love to know what style of painting you think I should try next?
With thanks and kindest regards Kirsten
Hi Kirsten, I saw your post on Instagram. Would you believe this, my aunt and uncle lived almost opposite you in the 1950,s and I stayed there often. Then,to add to this my Mum and Dad were married in the church that might still be the craft venue. This was 1937 . My Mum was a professional dressmaker and also was taught to
Play the organ, I have 3 of her classical music scores from about 1927 . She then went to a hospital near Nelson and trained as a psychiatric nurse. But even after they were married continued to sew. I read your blog, and do understand the juggling with family and work. Best wishes with everything, and fond greetings from Jean in the small town of Marton in the rangitikei.
Hi Jean
Thanks so much for your time and for reading and commenting on my blog.
So cool that your aunt and uncle lived across the road. Its a pretty cool place to live.
I wish you all the very best in Marton and stay safe.
With thanks and kindest regards – Kirsten