A State of Flux

 A5 Sketchbook double spread - experimenting with mixed media.  

I cannot believe that I have not yet posted in 2015, and it is already the end of February! Where has the time gone? It's certainly not because things have been quiet. Maybe it is due to a state of flux that has descended since receiving the news that Henderson Art and Framing is for sale and may actually close completely after Easter. Although I am self-employed I work freelance at Hendersons running adult art classes. It has been a roller coaster couple of months for the owners, Bill and Sue, with several interested parties looking to continue the business (except for the framing which Bill plans to do from home) but unfortunately none of these have yet proved viable. The members of all the classes that are held there are concerned about where, and how, they can continue with their studies. As tutors we have also found the uncertainty tricky. I have been doing lots of visualisation and trying to get a sense of how my art career might develop and how to make new opportunities for myself and my clients.

The photo above is of a double page spread in an A5 sketchbook. It was an experiment with mixed media (gesso, acrylic, graphite pencil and powder, pen) to work out some suitable techniques to encourage the class this week in their exploration of weathered concrete. In some ways it also sums up how I've been feeling, especially the last few weeks, as time is running out. The linear marks could represent the chop and change in mood, up one moment with the thrill of new opportunities and down the next, can I sustain a full time art career or will I need to get a regular job again? Another brainstorming session, and I'm up again... Exhausting stuff. There's the effect of chunks falling off and then the crack, symbolizing the final break; the shop closing. But look closer, at the speckles and spatter - like the threads and seeds of ideas. Some old ones, sown many years ago, now ready to grow into fruition. Some fresh and new, holding such promise. Actually all my thinking, researching and daydreaming have now started to form into positive action. I am gradually putting together a programme of events for my clients that I hope will enable many to continue their art journey. I have been visiting different places, and contacting people, to try and arrange a variety of workshops in different locations. Will keep you posted.

Talking of different locations...

Sketching on Roydon Common.

     
This is Roydon Common. And this is the first time I have ever been there! We moved to King's Lynn 17 years or so ago and this amazing place is right on the doorstep, how did it get overlooked? Acres and acres of sandy, heather filled landscape with several interesting features - evidence of an old Victorian tramway for example... Also, there are wild ponies grazing and they look the picture of health in their thick winter coats.

Evidence of an old Victorian tramway.

Wild pony on Roydon Common, a picture of health.

This weekend I plan to get a bit more practice with quick portrait studies in charcoal as this is the focus of classes next week. The study below was done several night's ago as my husband dozed in his armchair, and yes, he still had his headphones on. It only took about 15 minutes and looks more like him than anything I've done before, even caught the little frown between the eyebrows.
 

Paul dozing, still wearing headphones.
Quick portrait study, A4 sketchbook, in charcoal pencil. 

I suppose my message from this post is that when unexpected events happen, life goes on, and it is up to you how you move on and shape the future. It was being made redundant in 2003 that catapulted me into embracing the life of an artist in the first place.

What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Are there any steps, big or small, that you can make in the direction of this dream?