Blogs from Around the World - Claire Leggett

Sorry I've been a bit quiet but I have had a hand operation and it's put paid to a lot of things. However, I am delighted to be back with an interview with the very talented Claire Leggett. I cannot remember exactly how I stumbled across her blog, but since that day I have been fascinated by her artwork. She has a wonderful unique style and her blog is always a delight to read.

So without further ado, kick off your shoes, put the phone on silent and enjoy!
Where is home for you?
Home is an Edwardian house four miles outside of Birmingham city center in the UK.

How many years have you been painting?
One answer is “For ever” because I painted as a child, but in a formal sense after secondary school I completed a foundation year in 1997 (ouch! I’m old!) and then went on to do a three year degree in Fashion and Textiles, specialising in printed textiles. I quickly got side tracked into teaching Infant children (which I actually love) and it wasn’t until about 2002 that I dusted off my art supplies and began to fulfill my artistic needs again.

Other than creating wonderful paintings, what other creative things do you do?
Loads - I love making quilts, sewing, crochet, knitting, gardening, baking and especially decorating cakes. There are usually one or two projects on the go.

Your studio looks lovely and I’m very envious, what is the best thing about it?
My studio is fantastic! I realise what a lucky girl I am. Best thing, hmmm…having my own space to mess up as and how I like. It’s at the top of the house so it’s quiet and I like retreating to it.

I love your paintings and the different contrasting patterns you have. How do you go about putting a still life together? What is your inspiration?
It‘s instinctive to me. A lot of people try to develop a USP (Unique Selling Point) I happened upon mine while practicing and trying to just be me. I love fabrics and patterns and china and a mismatch and a clash of colours and certain objects that just appeal. I couldn’t try to do it like that – I can’t paint differently or see in things in any other way.

I’m inspired by other artists work that I like, I clip out magazine spreads that appeal whether that is a home magazine with a décor scheme that I like the colours of or maybe a sales feature on china that prompts a still life set up idea, flowers from the florists or plants I see in the garden center. Anything and everything!


What colours are in your palette and is there one colour you could not do without?
I think when I see my work side by side on my gallery page that certain colours are prevalent. Turquoise, pink and red reoccur at lot. But if I could only have one colour then it’s pink. It’s such a happy colour that I’d be sad if you took it from me!

Where do you get your objects from?
Junk shops finds, china from Anthropologie and Pip Studio, nice gift shops, Ebay sometimes, through magazine features, Cotton Patch fabric shop and other online stores, when traveling (Paper Source was a great find in Philadelphia when we were there). I’m a bit of a magpie and as I get older I’m happier to just buy and trust my instincts.


What is a typical day for you?
A typical week would see me in school Monday to Wednesday teaching. Tuesday is a half-day for me and I try and use that for housewifely things so that Thursday and Friday can be interruption free studio days. I usually have an idea what I’m going to set up to work on, by Wed night. So Thursday will begin by putting it together, drawing it and applying the background wash. Only then is it coffee time! I listen to radio plays while I’m working because I find it is the one thing that can silence the conscious part of my brain and let my instinctive side get on with it’s thing. I usually work till about 5 or 6pm. If I’m on creative overload I might work for longer or grab time over the weekend as it presents itself.


Congratulations on being represented by galleries. How did that come about and how did you feel when you saw your work for sale for the first time.
My first foray into exhibiting was at the RBSA I had an epiphany moment when I thought to myself ‘How could I start right now, here in the place where I live’. I did a google search and found it. I had known about Purple Gallery for a while. For that I did my research, took a deep breath and jumped.

It is very surreal seeing your work up for sale on a wall. When I see my work, I see me staring back. I find it hard to be objective. But once I’ve pushed that aside I feel elated, humble, excited, grateful, encouraged and over the moon.


Which artists, dead or alive, inspire you?
I am constantly discovering new ones. Today I discovered Harold Harvey! (Who? Go google him) I would hands down just love to be Kaffe Fassett’s female artistic clone, followed by being anyone who works for Anthropologie designing patterns for products, followed a close third by being Tricia Guild’s clone (Designers Guild). I love the painters Winifred Nicholson and Mary Fedden as not only their work but the way they lived, inspires me to paint surrounded by my home and family. Jean Martin has had a big influence on me in recent years. Her work is still the place I’m hoping to arrive at some day in terms of its complexity and inventiveness. My husband bought me a piece of hers for my 40th birthday and I visit it like a shrine! In terms of business inspiration I have found the artist Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse and book Flying Lessons really important in giving my dreams firstly some validation and then some structure in how to go about seeing them realised.

What do you love most about ‘blogland’?
The wealth of inspiration out there at the touch of a button, the community of like minded people, the friends I have made who turn up to leave comments cheering me on, the world wide nature of the contacts you can make and the traveling you can do without getting out of bed.


Have you an ambition which is yet unfulfilled?
Apart from being a Kaffe Fassett clone or being employed by Anthropologie or becoming Amy Butler or Anna Maria Horner…

I hope somewhere in the future that this could be my fulltime job and I’d have time to paint and design patterns and see what happens.


What advice would you give any aspiring artists?
Prepare to plod. Quick success can be fleeting. Look for the longer journey it’s less disappointing and more valuable anyway.

Read, blog, talk to people who will cheer you on no matter what., and learn to tune out the doubters! Just keep turning up to work and the rest will follow in time. Be true to yourself.

Well I hope you have enjoyed reading all about Claire. Do check out her website and also her blog, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Blogs from Around the World - Wyanne

This months Blogs from Around the World returns to the USA. I have been a follower of Wyanne's work for some time now, ever since I stumbled across one of her You Tube video's demonstrating her amazing paintings, so I was really excited when she agreed to be a part of this.

I absolutely adore Wyanne's paintings and her use of resin makes me want to have a go. I hope you enjoy this article and please stop by her blog and website, you wont be disappointed.
Where is home for your and what do you love best about it?

The tranquil and gorgeous Amelia Island, Florida has been my home for the past four years. Prior to that, I lived in the hectic city of Atlanta, GA. I visited the historic Fernandina Beach downtown area on vacation one year, and knew I had to live here. My husband and kids fell in love with it, too. The island has a strong arts community and is breathtakingly gorgeous. It hasn't been over-developed with high-rise buildings and such. The island is only 13 miles long and 4 miles wide. Recently, my husband went back to work in Atlanta full-time. So, I split my time up between Atlanta and the island. It's really nice to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds now.

How long have you been painting and making jewellery?

I started painting and creating jewelry around the age of 13. I was adopted, and had learned that my natural birth mother was an artist. So, I just picked up a paintbrush and started practicing in an effort to be like her. I went on to recieve my batchelor's degree in fine arts from Wesleyan College, with a major in photography.

How has your work changed over the years?

In college, my main focus was fine art photography. After graduating, I worked as a professional photographer in the interior design industry. I didn't enjoy it very much because of the lack of creativity. I opened two art galleries in the Atlanta area and went through a period that I didn't create and simply guided other artists. I gradually started painting again and produced a whimsical series called, Big Divas. They were bold, colorful, simplistic watercolor paintings. After my daughter was born, I started experimenting with acrylics and collage. I began painting whimsical big - eyed girls on canvas and wood with beeswax encaustic finishes. Now, I still paint the big-eyed girls but my interest lies in really pushing myself out of my comfort zone artistically. I am concentrating more on loosening up my painting style, and combining unusual art materials. I want to create works that are emotionally, technically and visually more complex.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Most of my inspiration comes from growing up in the 60's and 70's, my daughter, my own imagination and emotions. When I paint, I usually prefer to work in silence. If I listen to music while I paint, I feel that it influences the work too much.

I loved your 'Post Wolf' picture which was more daring than some of your other work, how did that idea originate?

Post Wolf began (as most of my paintings do) from simply playing with couple of colors of paint and allowing them to flow and intermingle across the paper on their own. After they dried, I studied and found different images within them, like leaves, flowers and part of a figure. Then, I let my imagination run wild and composed the rest of the painting. As I do this, certain feelings and emotions from events in my life start to make their way into the painting, but I try to keep them from being a literal translation. I don't want to bombard the viewer with my feelings or thoughts, but give them enough that they can relate on some level to the painting. I try not to talk about my personal meaning within the painting, because it would take away from someone else's story. It's more important to me for the viewer to be moved in their own personal way from the work, than it is to tell my story behind it.

What medium, tool or equipment couldn't you be without?

I would have to say acrylic paints, because they are so versatile.

What artist(s) dead or alive inspire you?

Andy Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, Rex Ray, Alexandra Nechita, Nicholas Simmons, and so many more. But, I try to be careful and not look at other artists work too much. I believe, as artists, we are natural sponges. Whether we realize it or not, we see things and file them away in our brains. When we least expect it, those things make their way back into our work in some form or another.

How long does it take to put your amazing videos together?

About as long as it takes to paint the painting! I enjoy the chronicle of my work, but each time I'm slaving over the computer doing video editing...I think to myself...I could be painting instead. Then the video is uploaded, and people leave the kindest, most inspiring comments...and I forget just how hard it was.

I have yet to join your Paint Free class though it's on my to do list for this year, how did that come about and what have you learned personally from it?

I hope you do find the time to take it. I feel it's the best class that I've ever done, and I have been amazed at how it has changed so many artist's lives. I developed Paint Free from my own needs and goals as an artist. Over the years, I've learned how to juggle being a mom, full-time career artist and provider for my family. I've had my share of self doubt, comparison and growing pains, just like any artist. I taught myself different ways to manage all of these issues, and decided to document and share them in Paint Free. I have also grown increasingly weary of artists copying other artists. I wanted to show students that their work doesn't need to look like another artist's work to be considered good. I am a big believer that everyone has their own painting style if they will just allow it to come out. I've learned that it doesn't matter if you've never painted in your life, or if you paint everyday with a boatload of techniques.....that a great painting is created from your energy alone.

Do you have any other classes in the pipeline?

Yes, I have a new one opening August 1st called Layers, Passages and Hideaways. We will be working with multiple layers in paintings through paint, acrylic mediums and collage. Also the class will teach expanding paintings with sculptural, three dimensional passages and hideaways in canvas and wood.

What's next for Wyanne?

I will be traveling to teach Paint Free workshops in person. I hope to publish Paint Free as a book, to reach more artists. I recently licensed my artwork to a large global wholesale company in the gift and home accessories industry. "The WyanneCollection" will be released in January, 2012. I'm very excited about it. But, most of all...I want to continue creating paintings that challenge me artistically, emotionally and technically. I feel that I've only just begun to scratch the surface.

You can find links to Wyanne below:

Classes

Paint Free Class

New Layers Class

Website

Blog

Etsy

Facebook

You Tube

Blogs from Around the World - Lynne Chapman

In this months Blogs from around the World I am pleased to be in my home country and to be able to introduce a very talented and also very lovely illustrator. If you haven't seen any of Lynne Chapman's work before you have indeed been missing out.

From her amazing children's book illustrations to her inspiring sketches, she is not only a talented artist but a great blog writer too! So please, grab a cuppa, have a read and enjoy!

Lynne at her drawing desk

Where is home for you?

Sheffield

What’s the best thing about your job?

I’m very lucky to have such a creative job, one that not only allows me to use my love of drawing, but also to indulge my sense of humour. It’s especially lovely to have such a tangible end result, which I can then share with children.

Dragon’s dinner

Illustration from Dragon’s Dinner written by Susannah Corbett (published 2009 by Hodder)

Do you listen to music whilst you work and if so is there anything which helps you create?

While I am working on my pastel artwork, I listen to talking books, which keep me calm and content, and stop me stressing too much. I listen to music while I am doing my roughs though, as the continual problem-solving and occasional deep concentration make it impossible to follow a story.

Pteradons

From Gnash, Gnaw, Dinosaur! written by Tony Mitton (published 2009 by Macmillan)

What were your favourite books to read as a child?

My first love was Dr Seuss, especially The Cat in the Hat. Later, I was a big fan of Enid Blyton, initially her younger series like The Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair, then the Famous Five and Secret Seven books. After that I remember getting very into Agatha Christie.

Bears on the Stairs

My newest release, written by Julia Jarman (published 2010 by Andersen Press)

How did you become a children’s illustrator?

My degree was in Printed Textiles, but I got fed up with always being asked to paint flowers; I wanted to draw all sorts of things. I specialised in various different kinds of illustration before I found children’s books, including 10 years as a freelance Editorial Illustrator. That taught me how to interpret text and to illustrate the meaning behind the words, rather than the words themselves, which has made me a better book illustrator.

I got my first book after taking a speculative folio of illustrations to show various children’s publishers. I’d done a pastel drawing of some singing dogs and Gullane had the text for The Show at Rickety Barn by Jemma Beeke, which stars Jasper, a cat who fancies himself as a singer. Gullane’s Art Director could instantly see what I would do with Jasper and the rest is history.

Jasper-sings

Jasper the cat from The Show at Rickety Barn (published 2000 by Gullane)

You illustrate in pastels, but do you use any other mediums?

Not for my picture books. However, I draw and paint all the time in sketchbooks, just for fun. That is where I can experiment, using whatever medium I fancy. I used to prefer 3B or coloured pencils, but in recent years I have started to sketch with ink and watercolours too, which I’ve discovered is great fun.

Space-hens

Illustration from When You’re Not Looking! (published 2004 by Gullane)

How did it feel to see your first published book?

Fantastic – of course! I was already used to seeing my work in print, but there is something very special about the high quality printing in a picture book and the fact that it is a stand-alone object. I love that it will be taken off into people’s homes and start a life of its own.

Itch to Scratch

An Itch to Scatch, written by Damian Harvey (published 2005 by Gullane)

You must have great fun when you do the school visits.

School visits are a delightful discovery. I had no idea I would be able to work with children, in fact the idea terrified me at first! I have done hundreds now though, and they are great fun. They are also the perfect antidote to spending the rest of the time working on my own.

Giddy-Goat

Illustration from Giddy the Great written by Jamie Rix (published 2006 byOrchard)

Are there any other children’s book illustrators in your field that you admire?

Way too many to mention them all. I love looking at other people’s work and it always seems so much more exciting than my own! Shaun Tan’s evocative and brooding images have always been a favourite, I love the richness of Dave McKean’s illustrations, David Melling’s humour, Mini Grey’s crazy attention to detail, Jason Chapman, Anna Laura Cantone, Sarah McIntyre, Lane Smith….

Crocs-on-desk

Artwork from Baby Goes Baaaaa! (published Apr 2012 by Egmont)

Your sketches of people on the train are wonderful. Do people mind you sketching them?

People mostly don’t seem to mind. I never ask permission though. If I do that, I end up drawing a portrait, which is a totally different thing - people are no longer natural, plus there's suddenly an expectation on me to achieve a likeness (as well as a need to make sure it's flattering!), which can make things quite stressful and spoil the enjoyment. My 'victim' often works out what I’m up to halfway through, but they tend to hold their original position and carry on with what they were doing.

Starbucks-Tom

Sheffield SketchCrawl, Jan 2011: my sketch of Tom, our youngest member at 10 years old

Sketchcrawl-lunch

Sheffield SketchCrawl, Jan 2011: people wouldn’t even stop drawing for lunch!

Your sketches of people on the train are wonderful. Do people mind you sketching them?

People mostly don’t seem to mind. I never ask permission though. If I do that, I end up drawing a portrait, which is a totally different thing - people are no longer natural, plus there's suddenly an expectation on me to achieve a likeness (as well as a need to make sure it's flattering!), which can make things quite stressful and spoil the enjoyment. My 'victim' often works out what I’m up to halfway through, but they tend to hold their original position and carry on with what they were doing.

Train-sketch

Pencil sketch done on a train

Other than your sketches and your illustration, do you paint for pleasure?

Not at the moment – there just isn’t time. I think if I ever stop illustrating, or have major gaps between books, I will do more painting.

If only I lived nearer I would love to join the SketchCrawl. How did that come about?

SketchCrawling – drawing as a group, out and about - was started several years ago in San Fransisco, by Enrico Casarosa, and it is now an international phenomonon. It is about sharing a love of sketching and empowering one another.

I first heard about it through my association with the international sketching group Urban Sketchers. It sounded a fun idea, so I arranged one here in Sheffield, last September. I had no idea if anyone would turn up, but 25 people came. We all enjoyed it enormously – it’s a great way of turning a solitary activity into a group event and many said that drawing as a group gave them the confidence they needed to sketch outside. Everyone wanted to do it again ASAP, so I have been holding them roughly once a month ever since.

Work-in-prog

Me working on Dragon’s Dinner

Now that Baby Goes Baaaaa! is heading to the publishers, what’s next for you?

I am currently working on the sequel, which will come out in the summer of 2012, hot on the heels of Baby Goes Baaaaa!, (published in April).

You can find Lynne's wonderful light-hearted blog here or click here for her website. If you are interested in watching some short films (which I have found really great) then please click here. And you can buy Lynne's books here.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Helen

Blogs from Around the World - Joji Roper Todd

Welcome to March's Blogs from around the World where this month I feature the very talented Joji Roper Todd. Joji produces vibrant folk art and her paintings and sculptures are amazing.

Where is home for you?

I live in south Florida now but was born in North Carolina.

How did you get started as an artist?

I have created art for as long as I can remember. As a child I loved to draw, color, paint, sew, crochet anything that was creative. My Carolina grandmother was very creative and made daily life so interesting. There was nothing she could not do.

Are you currently represented by a gallery?

I am not represented by any gallery, I self promote my work.

What is your preferred Medium?

My favorite medium is really 2 fold. I love acrylic paints and paperclay. I like to work in both at the same time as one inspires the other.

What artists inspire you?

I am most inspired by obscure folk artist not in the main stream. Those who produce art by any means possible. Without conventional tools and supplies and non conventional subjects.

Describe your typical day?

My typical day consist of some form of work in my studio which was once my living room but has been consumed by my work. Even if I don't actually do work I am researching some form or listening to inspirational music.

I love your series on the Blue People. Can you tell us more about the project?

I have always been enthralled with Appalachia. The people the music and such. I would sit and listen for hours while my granddaddy played the banjo. While researching more about Appalachia I discovered the "Blue People Of Troublesome Creek" They captured my heart and I needed to bring them to life. I will be doing that for some time as I have endless ideas for paintings and dolls I want to create based on them.

Thelma so far is my favourite painting of yours. How did she come about?

Thelma is based on women who hung around the beauty shop where I worked as a newlywed. She is named after my grandmother. They are polar opposites and I found that comical. My grandmother was a staunch baptist and tea-totaler.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration is mountain people and their music. I adore the Appalachian sound and its people and am inspired by their stories.

Are there certain colours in your palette that you would not be without?

The one color I could never do without is RED......It is my bloodline in my work.

What’s next for Joji Roper Todd?

I never know what is next. Working on the mountain folk and blue people give me plenty of satisfaction for now. I do not think their stories will ever run dry, and hopefully neither will my art.

Thank you Joji for being a part of my Blogs from around the World. Please visit Joji here and you can find her etsy store here.

Have a wonderful evening!

Blogs from Around the World - Kristin Dudish

Welcome to February's Blogs from Around the World. Please let me introduce the very talented Kristin Dudish, who's art never ceases to amaze me. Her trademark colourful paintings and drawings are absolutely adorable and I hope you enjoy this insight into her life.

Before you get down to reading the interview, Kristin has teamed up with EVA to create a Paint Party Friday which starts on the 18th March. It will be a place for

artists to meet, check in, share what they have been working on and chat. Sounds great fun so please be sure to check it out and join in the fun! The blog is http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com or you can click here.

Where do you call home and what do you love most about where you live?

I live in Western New York just outside Buffalo. We are probably best known for our snow and chicken wings, but one of the things I love about where I live is the diversity. There is a little something for everyone... Buffalo has a wonderful arts and entertainment community - The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Theater District, World Renowned Art Galleries (The Jackson Pollock painting that one of my Sketchbook Project pages was based on hangs in the Albright-Knox minutes away from my home). We also have professional sports, fabulous restaurants, wonderful shopping, and beautiful parks and recreation spots throughout four distinct seasons. One of the Natural Wonders of the World (Niagara Falls) is around the corner and a visit to Toronto, Canada is just a short car ride away!

You have a BFA from the University of Buffalo....have you always been creative and what does it mean to you?

For me, being creative is not just about drawing or painting (although I obviously love to do those things). I believe that being creative is a way of living. And the greatest thing? Anyone can live a creative life! My degree helped me develop my physical skills for producing visual art, but creativity is something we all have the tools for already! It's just a matter of making the conscious decision to pay attention to the life you're already living. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down and looking at ordinary activities through fresh eyes... it's amazing how many opportunities for inspiration surround us each and every day if we just take the time to stop and look.

I absolutely adored your gnome sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project where you based it on famous paintings, how did you find the whole project and would you do it again?

Thank you so much. I did enjoy the project - it is such a great opportunity for artists to be a part of something so much larger than any of us as individuals... so many people from around the world brought together in one place by their art, each with a uniquely different point of view - amazing. I would definitely do it again, but I wouldn't wait until 2 weeks before it was due to complete it! (Aww... who am I kidding?!? Unfortunately I'm a procrastinator, so it would probably happen the exact same way! ha!)

You have a distinctive style and your animal paintings are fabulous. Do you have any tips for drawing these that you would like to share?

I'm blushing - thank you. I have found that my best paintings are created when I focus my energy on the creation and stop worrying about what the outcome will be. The best way to do that? Drawing a single subject in many different ways - traditional pencil sketching, gesture drawing, contour drawing and non-dominant hand drawings are great. Not only does it really force you to study your subject, but it takes the pressure of perfection off (and the more drawings I do, the more likely I am to find at least one that I like and want to turn into a painting)!

Do you have a preference for the art materials you use and what is the medium of your choice?

This is a tough one because I love to play with different materials and I'm always very excited to try a new product! I'm kind of a geek when it comes to art supplies... ahhh, the smell of fresh paper and newly sharpened pencils can bring me to my knees! But, if I had to choose one material it would have to be paint. I love the versatility of paint!

How has your work changed over the years and is there one piece of work that you are immensely proud of?

This is a very interesting question... I feel like my work is constantly evolving and each piece along the way is a representation of where I was at during that particular point in my artistic journey. I have been very blessed to have my art lead to some pretty unbelievable adventures and I'm very thankful for the opportunities my art has provided. My favorite pieces are the ones that conjure up the best memories.

Other than art, what else do you enjoy?

My favorite moments are spent goofing around with family and friends. I also love to read, eat, and watch movies. Oooh - I also have a new found obsession with watching stop animation painting and speed painting videos on you tube... fascinating stuff.

Do you have tips for running an online art business?

Well, I'm pretty new to the online scene, but so far I'm applying a lot of the same principles I used when I was co-owner of a mural/decorative painting company. The first is hard work and dedication. The second is research - This past summer I took Kelly Rae Robert's Flying Lessons e-course (she now offers it as a series of e-books)... it sounds cliche, but it was absolutely life changing. As a result of the course I started my blog, opened my etsy shop, and have 'met' an incredible community of artists online that not only encourage and support my efforts, but provide endless inspiration through their work as well! (I can't help but get giddy when I think of all the amazing friendships and connections I've made online.)

In your new year goals, you mentioned that you wanted to create more edible art? This sounds really interesting, can you tell me more?

This goes back to living a creative life... Why limit myself to traditional artistic media when I can combine my love of art, baking, and eating all in one place?! ? I am amazed at the cakes, cookies and other confections I have been seeing - it's like mini edible sculptures and paintings... absolutely incredible. Cookies as canvas, cakes as clay - so very creative (and tasty)!


What does a day in the life of Kristin Dudish look like?

I gently wake to a chorus of birds as my breakfast is brought to me in bed...
Ha! Not really, but wouldn't that be nice?!?

The truth is my days are probably pretty typical of anyone trying to balance their domestic endeavors with their artistic adventures...
I generally start my day with some computer work before Tyler gets up and gets going - I try to answer emails, work on blog stuff, etc.
I plan the rest of my studio and computer time around Tyler's schedule - preschool, naps, etc.
One day a week Tyler has "Papa Day" - he spends the day hanging out with his buddy (his Grandpa) and I have the day to be hyper-productive for a big chunk of time.
When I have a big project going on, Bob is a big help with dinners. We always eat together as a family, but if I'm particularly busy I'll excuse myself after dinner while the boys play so that I can work in the studio. Bedtime is break time - we all read together and talk about our days. Then after Tyler goes to bed, I go back to work (or if my schedule permits, I spend some time with Bob).

It's a juggling act and some days are better (easier) than others... If I'm extremely productive with my art, the housework is usually suffering a bit, if the house is looking good then it usually means I haven't been in my studio as much as I would like... I'm still working on balance.

I asked Kelly this and I would like to ask you the same, is there anything else that you would like to try your hand at?

Another creative goal of mine for this year is to learn how to sew. I am so very impressed by all of the incredibly amazing fiber-arts I see online. I have always been so intimidated by sewing machines... this year I am going to face my fears!

Oh, and I would also love to try making a stop animation or speed painting video like the ones I mentioned earlier.

What’s next for Kristin Dudish?

I'm really not sure - but I can't wait to find out!

Thank you so much Kristin for taking part in my Blogs from Around the World. Best of luck with the Paint Party Friday and I look forward to joining in myself. You can buy Kristin's art here or follow her blog here.

Helen xx