The Art of Persistence

​I have been Painting for 16 years, it’s funny, I have had moments when I look at those years and wonder why I am not better at my craft, why haven't I progressed more in the 'art world'?  I have a frowny moment and think why haven’t I grown more…. Then I look at what has transpired of the last 16 and realise the truth of the matter is the first 4 - 5 years at least I was ‘learning’ how to paint.   I shifted to Derby in the North of Western Australia where I was geographically and artistically isolated.   Those first works away from the side of my tutor were simplistic and somewhat awkward, but I persisted in between running a business and raising 2 young boys.  The next 5 years I continued to raise my family, battle with the strain of running a business and through it all my painting became my friend, it was my time of peace and stillness. 

The next 3 years I was in rebuild and recovery mode after my marriage breakdown, my art continued to be my constant companion through this time, it was mine, no one could take it from me, it gave me strength, stillness of mind and a sense of identity when I felt I had lost all. 

With a shift to the magnificent coastline of Broome, there has been a change of pallet and an exciting new beginning.

​Step into my most recent past and the last 3 years have seen a great amount of growth in my work, I am looking at my craft with different eyes. After many hours of online seminars and art blogs I am trying to consolidate my creativity from the frenetic ramblings of the past to create a true body of work.  I have worked on my technique with laying glazes, have experimented with application and changes in substrate from canvas to Aluminium and, as a result I find my art is making a shift from realistic modern landscape to representational landscape.  Through the love and support of a new partner I am moving toward a new and exciting chapter in my life.

​I guess the purpose of this first blog is to give fellow artists and students some encouragement.  It is the old saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the growth of your artistic ability.   Tenacity and persistence is the key.    If it doesn’t work, try again, the internet is a wonderful resource, leaving isolation a thing of the past.  Learn new methods of application and technique, push your boundaries, never give up on something you believe in.

---