Come back blog, all is forgiven

Eeek! A badly neglected blog is neither use nor ornament and in my job, not helping people to find me either. SO today is set aside with the job of updating some of my neglected social media in order to unify my profile.
What it actually demonstrates is how busy I've been over the last year, which is definitely not a bad thing but make me wonder if I've lost any of you along the way? Well, it is now time for me to put that right and become a more dedicated blogger for you all.
Yesterday saw the launch of my 2016 course brochure, an exercise which has seen me awake until 2a.m. checking dates and times as my worst fear is that I double book myself but I'm really pleased with the brochure and for the first year ever, I've released all of the dates at once. I used to only give out a term at a time but it seemed silly to know what I was doing and not tell everyone else too.
I often get asked about 'what I do' and saying 'Artist' doesn't really seem to sum it up as, with many jobs, people have a preconceived idea of what that entails. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not the sort of person who thinks that their job is tougher than people realise, it's just that the word 'artist' conjures up someone starving in a garret and not the diverse range of skills I've had to acquire over the last 20 years. I don't think most people realise that I spend far more time on admin than I actually do painting. Part of it is because I teach, which means I need to advertise, plan and organise (and I am the OCD Queen of organisation) but making sure people know who I am takes a huge amount of time. Which brings me full circle, I've neglected my blog and therefore, must do better. Hopefully I can entice you back with what I'm up to over the next few months and will endeavour to be a better blogger.
If you would like to view my 2016 course brochure, you can do so via the Issuu site here:
2016 Course, Workshop & Painting Holiday Brochure

Life begins at 40...

What on earth does turning 40 have to do with this blog about painting? As it turns out, everything. I'm not fishing for a deluge of congratulations (honestly), it has just really made me think that in two days time I will have hit a landmark age. I take it for granted sometimes that I have an amazing life, so hitting the big four-oh has made me think long and hard about how grateful I am for the career I have. The last year particularly has been astounding and I am busier than I have ever been.
Today has been a day that I don't usually relish - admin - but I have been pleasantly surprised as a long list of emails, post, orders and phone calls has illustrated just how busy (and therefore lucky) I am.
It is always interesting to contemplate the 'Sliding Doors' principle (apologies if you don't know the film) but as I never say no to any opportunities that come my way, it would be hard to imagine sitting in my studio waiting for the phone to ring. Therefore, may I take this opportunity to thank all of my students, clients, supporters, colleagues, friends, family (Mum & Dad especially) and of course my amazing husband for believing in me and what I do.
Turning 40 is going to be the start of a whole new chapter.......

A juggling act....

 

I don't ever like to complain about what I do, as I feel very fortunate to have the career that I chose, but it would be lovely if just occasionally I was able to catch the tail I'm constantly chasing! This blog is a little feast or famine for me (how is it possible that social media can make you feel guilty for neglecting it?) but all I can say is that I'm now back in the land of making, painting and teaching. This week the studio is frantic with planning for Dorset Art Weeks, which opens on Saturday 24th May, and it will not only be the first year for the studio but will be the first year that I will exhibit independently.

I am really excited about opening up to the general public and getting my first set of visitors, other than those who come for classes, it will be a lovely opportunity to meet new people and show what I do. I will be posting regularly during the event, so please do pop back to this blog. I will be a much better blogger (unless I'm painting, of course)......