Making a difference – with the understanding that all of life is interconnected.

When I change one tiny section of a ten meter mural…everything is changed.    The rhythm, balance, composition, everything.    The same is true for life.

The other day I watched a documentary about Clive James  (Australian critic, broadcaster and writer.)      Filmed in 1991, London looked like a different world to the one we are inhabiting now.      Much less crowded….no one carrying i phones….generally speaking a seemingly more manageable place.

Since 1991 many things have served to change the rhythm, balance and composition of our beautiful world.    So much has changed in such a short period.    Far too rapidly for we human beings to assimilate in a balanced fashion. Today we find ourselves with leaders who clearly have no understanding of interconnectedness, rhythm, harmony and balance overseeing and governing our collective futures.      We wake each day alert to what new form of madness, they have imposed upon us!     

Meanwhile, our beautiful world becomes more and more unstable……and mental disease more prevalent in humans of all ages. 

So many feel a deep sense of frustration and loss.     How can we make a difference?   How can we help to bring some form of equilibrium back into our lives…..?

There are ways as individuals we can make small but significant differences…

For the last two evenings, I watched The Choir: featuring Gareth Malone and the inmates of Aylesbury Prison.      Not only was it uplifting and moving, it showed how  differences can be made.    I highly recommend anyone who hasn’t seen this to watch on BBC 2 I Player.  

Gareth Malone did more in a short period of time with minimal funding than all of our politicians put together.  The power behind Gareth’s work is of course creativity….in his case music.

Anyone who has followed my blog will know that I am constantly talking about creativity being the key to emotional, physical and spiritual well being.      In The Choir we see the creative process achieving these goals. And so my friends, at the beginning of a new year and decade, I suggest that everyone find a form of creativity that works for them.     Something that calms and heals the mind  and body.

Then think of the small ways you can make a difference…….

I found this on FB yesterday.

And of course don’t forget the unseen energy that magical hummingbirds show us.

A Bientôt

Janet

 

 

‘Birds that live on a golden mountain reflect the colour of gold’.

Wishing one and all a new year filled with the simple pleasures of peace, good health, and creativity.    

Special thoughts go to my friends in Australia who are experiencing so many difficulties, and to the millions of others around the world who seek basic human needs, such as shelter, food and most of all love.

‘Birds that live on a golden mountain reflect the colour of gold’……..

Hummingbirds and colour to take us into the new year.

A bientot

Janet

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to friends and family in the States….

Which brings me to this very amusing picture that my daughter Christie sent via WhatsApp last night.    When this was taken around 1980 WhatsApp and all the rest of the social media stuff was pure science fiction.

I always got up at about 5 a.m. on Thanksgiving so that I could feed the animals..and then get the turkey into the oven for a long slow cook.   Bear in mind that cooking is not my best attribute, however I did this for years and remember oh so well all the routines and traditions  that surrounded it.   My husband Bill must have taken this picture…..again long before digital cameras. Happy memories:)

This photograph was taken around the same time….although here I am doing something I feel more comfortable with……

Its hard to believe that we are now entering the festive season.    The past year seems to have melted away.

My daughter Christie will be joining me here on the 16th of December for ten days….for which I am very grateful and then next May I will spend two weeks on the farm with my son Jarrod and his partner Kendle.   Happy days indeed.

The beginning of the festive seasons means it’s time for some Christeve the Cat in the Magical Town of Crickadoon images.

Here Christeve the Cat looks down from her favourite tree at the little cottage that looks so cozy and warm…..wishing she had a home of her own…..

Note that the magical hummingbirds surround her……………

Those of us with food in the cupboard and a roof over our heads do indeed have much to be thankful for.    It’s vital that we remember all those who are not so fortunate…..

A Bientôt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t judge a book by its cover……

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover….’

Much like a book cover, all too often we form opinions about someone or their work based on very little information – usually brief meetings, or in the case of visual artists, one painting, exhibition or gallery representation.

In this post, still thinking about how social media has, and continues to play an important part in my life….I want to address the difficulties of being pigeon holed as an artist.         This can happen on the back of one painting, exhibition or gallery representation as well as other people’s assumptions of who you are.

This large oil on canvas (circa 1982) depicts the moment that people turn their backs on one another….(Part of a large series of paintings)

Making a living as an artist is not easy.     It takes tenacity, courage and a great deal of creativity.     As I look back on my nearly fifty year career I can see that my journey has been eventful, exciting, sometimes desperate, but throughout there has always been the knowledge that I was following the right path.

Despite the difficulties and disappointments along the way, I have, and continue to experience great joy as an artist and will forever be grateful to have chosen this path.

Large oil on canvas (circa 1990) depicting what was one of the most important turning points in my life and career. 

By the time I painted this self portrait (circa 1990) – I had already learned that to make my way as an artist I would need to adapt to unusual situations and trust in my intuition.    By 1990, sadly my marriage was dissolved and I was left with no money or support.

Refusing to give up my life as an artist, I listened to my intuition and chose to live and work in my West Chester, Pennsylvania, studio, which at that time had no heat or running water.     I learned so much about myself during this period.

Along with giving workshops at the Chester County Arts Association, I began working with Bonnie Paul, a well established art consultant.       Bonnie provided the art work for large corporate entities….and through her I received many commissions.

Part of the studio in West Chester Pa., on Prescott Alley.   By this time I had heat and running water in the building.    

The large still life painting  you can see through the opening was part of a series of work that sold well and paid for renovations, etc.      

What I haven’t mentioned is that I began my career as a ‘wildlife painter’ – and so when I was commissioned to make a fund raising poster for the Philadelphia Zoo of course I jumped at it.    Proceeds from the poster were to contribute towards a new big cat area at the zoo.

Another way to make income and remember this is all before Social media…..

In 1993, I returned home to the UK and moved to Crickhowell, Wales (the Magical Town of Crickadoon)  where I stayed with my cousin Lyn and her family.    Through Lyn and PJ’s design company, I continued to paint murals and at the same time give workshops. and exhibit. 

I took this photograph last weekend when visiting my cousin Lyn in Cardiff.   Here is Lyn standing in front of a large oil on canvas portrait I painted of. her in 1994. 

It was during my twelve years in Crickhowell, that I was introduced to the internet.   It was still prior to social media, digital phones/cameras etc….but seeds were being sown and something about it appealed to me. 

It’s important to note that I only use social media to view other artists work and to show my own….I don’t use if for much else, which is why I still probably enjoy it. 

Social media allowed me to show hummingbirds, and all sorts of other work.   Many of my friends on both sides of the Atlantic have noted that social media joined up all the dots…..   In short it got me out of the pigeon hole syndrome…..

Detail from large mural…where I first began to incorporate the hummingbird symbolising the unseen magic in our world.  (circa 1989)

This past weekend, I filmed my first web cam demo.   Hopefully within a week or so it will be edited so that I can share with you all.    Another way that social media helps we artists.

For now I wish you all well and send a magical hummingbird.

A bientôt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How social media has changed my life

It’s important to note that when I was born at the end of WW2 the concept of social media…would have been pure science fiction.      This means that I had the good fortune to live for most of my life without it – which in turn means that I am equipped to live in both worlds – the real and the virtual……

The very real world of David’s courtyard in Olhao Portugal – watercolourI dipped my toes into the virtual world about 18 years ago when living in Wales.    At that time,  the WDA (Welsh Development Agency) decreed that every town, village and hamlet would have something called a tele-cottage…..This is where I learned the basic first steps of how to use a computer.

Olhao Portugal – close to the School – watercolourWithout a real plan, I signed up for FB very early on (thirteen years ago) and began writing a blog about the same time…..It didn’t take long for me to recognise the potential of this medium….especially for visual creatives.

I had always been a letter writer, keeping up with friends over the years using snail mail….but all of a sudden I was able to communicate at a whole new level.

Four watercolour studies of shadow play on the courtyard olive tree at the school in Olhao Portugal.  http://www.artinthealgarve.comThrough social media I was able to share my images.      It gave a platform for my magical hummingbirds, in ways that I could only have imagined before.

It didn’t take too long before my name became synonymous with the magical hummingbird along with the symbolic meaning these little birds hold for me. – i.e. the ‘unseen energy’ in our world.

watercolour. Other elements of my work took on different forms after the advent of social media.

I have given workshops of one kind or another for forty years….but now through cyber space I was reaching people from around the world,  people who were interested in my teaching either in life or on line……

Which brings me to my next stage……Web cam. videos. 

Courtyard steps in Olhao Portugal. – watercolourDuring my workshop in Olhao Portugal last month, Dora Keogh, suggested that I make some web cam videos….

About six years ago I made a few youtube ‘taster’ videos.     To do anything more I knew I would need someone who understands web cam technology.    Immediately  Richard, the man who has fixed my computer for several years came to mind.    All things being equal it looks like we will begin this process very soon………….

From one of my sketchbooks in Olhao Portugal last month…..this is what I call note taking.    Watercolour taken from sketchbook notes – of one of my favourite Olhao trees. 

Another watercolour from the little courtyard at David’s house in Olhao Portugal There is so much more to write on this subject which I will share in future posts.

The key is to treat social media as you would treat dealings in the real world and most importantly to always follow through and do what you say you are going to do.

watercolour/gouache    A bientot

Janet

 

“What is courage without risk…..?

“What is courage without risk….It wouldn’t really be courage, would it?  Jocelyn Murray.Simply going about our daily lives can often take great courage….however, every now and then someone we meet reminds us what the word really means      This was the case during my recent workshop in Portugal.

When I first met Angela at the School in Olhao Portugal, it was clear that she had some mobility issues.     The School had arranged a motor scooter  (quickly dubbed Angela’s chariot:) so that she could get around the streets of Olhao.     Having never ridden one before she quickly got the hang of it. I learned that along with mobility issues, Angela had recently recovered from cancer.   I also learned that she had not travelled for over fifteen years.         As she didn’t know me or anyone else in the group….Angela’s signing up for the course was an act of courage and trust.Although Angela has enjoyed sketching and art for sometime, coming to the School in Olhao was to be a first – a totally new experience.When everything is in place in our lives….health, money, etc. exhibiting courage can be easier.    We have more confidence when these vital elements are in place.        What ‘separates the men from the boys’, is when those vital ingredients aren’t in place, particularly with regards to health.     Then exhibiting courage can be more difficult.  

My course in Portugal is all about loosening up and letting go of pre-conceived ideas and the Chattering Monkeys that tend to fill our minds with all the reasons why we CANNOT do something!

Through loosening up and doing things differently, We learn that I CANNOT can be replaced with I CAN……

Taking this principle into all areas of our lives can change everything.     When Angela decided to replace I CAN’T with I CAN – when she signed up for the course…a whole new world opened up for her.This quote is from Angela when talking about loosening up.

“Even if I’m feeling scared I can still go for it.    When doing that, joy and laughter take over pretty quickly”.     

Something for us all to remember……

Magical hummingbirds are appropriate for this post as they demonstrate and exhibit great courage in all areas of their lives…..

A magical. hummingbird drinking from the sweet nectar of life…..Wishing one and all a peaceful and creative day.

A bientot

Janet.

 

 

 

 

Observation, Imagination, perfect weather, a wonderful group and much more….(PART 2)

It is important to remember that this course is all about loosening up and at the same time focusing on observation and imagination……Shown here is just a fraction of the work completed…including the all important sketch books that everyone carried with them at all times.  

Once again the list of Janet Weight Reed tips and sayings given to everyone at the beginning of a course.

JWR tips and sayings

THE GROUP

The following are watercolours/sketches made by the group last week in Olhao Portugal. See previous post for an overview of the week….. 

Jayanthi.…has been coming to my courses for sometime.    This vibrant watercolour was inspired by the Saturday market in Olhao.

Vibrant watercolour inspired by the Saturday Market in Olhao Portugal.   JAYANTHI

Watercolour Montage of Olhao by Jayanthi – a classic example of observation and imagination, 

JILL (1). 

A view from floating in the pool….by Jill(1)   watercolour.    

Flowers by the water at the Saturday Market by Jill (1) watercolour

JILL (2)

from Jill (2) colourful birds from Saturday Market – watercolour

JILL (2).  Fruit and veg from the Saturday Market.  

MOIRA came to my course in April and so it’s exciting to see her development….getting much looser:)

MOIRAMOIRA – I like the drama in this piece

DORA 

Wonderful Vibrant painting by Dora.- watercolourTrees in the Nature Reserve Pine Woods by DORADORA – Joe reclining on Armona beach with Olhao in the distance…

NAN

NAN – Fish from the market. – watercolourNAN’s lovely Armona Island sketch 

NAN – The Mill at Parque Natural da Ria Formosa….watercolour

ANGELA

ANGELA – Armona Island – watercolourANGELA – from imagination. 

TESSA

TESSA – Armona Island – watercolour

Horse next Pine Trees in Parque Natural da Ria Formosa…….TESSA

BOB

BOB –  OlhaoBOB –  B0B – Reflections from the Mill – Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

CLAIRE – who sketched the whole time…..(unfortunately I don’t have photos of her sketches)…..but they were superb.    

CLAIRE  sketching a the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

CORYN –   Coryn and I might go on the road together….we would make a great comedy team:)

CORYN

The Mill Parque Natural da Ria Formosa- watercolour

CORYN – fish – watercolour

LIZ – casting a beautiful shadow at the Mill. – I am waiting for images.     Liz attended my course last October and so it was lovely to see her again…..

BRENDA – sketched all the time and made some lovely watercolours….Unfortunately I don’t have any photographs of them.    A fascinating woman – Brazilian and therefore fluent in Portuguese – and a glider pilot……

MARY – who has attended my courses before, made some lovely watercolours – however again I don’t have any photographs of them…hopefully later.

Tessa and Bob are from Sydney Australia and so on their way home from Portugal they stopped in New York and bought some new paints.      They are now in beautiful Vancouver where I am quite sure they are sketching every day.

These are the pigments they picked up in New York. I couldn’t finish this post without including our two non-painters Joe and Alan.   They contributed so much to the week on many levels and were a great deal of fun.   

Thank you one and all for a lovely week – and of course keep painting and sketching.

Janet.