Like a flying jewel, the hummingbird darts lightly through the world, teaching us to appreciate the wonder and magic of every day existence……….
watercolour/gouache
How does the creative process work?
Initially the seed of an idea is sewn.
The seed then enters into an incubation period which can be short lived, or take years to come to fruition.
The seed of an idea 
As we go about our daily lives, just like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle being revealed, the seed sprouts ideas that give us more information…..This can happen at any time.
It’s vital to record these ideas, because even when we think we couldn’t possibly forget a moment of inspiration……we can, and do, which is why it’s important to always have a sketch/notebook at hand.
Like a ghostly apparition sometimes the answer seems almost within reach – but then it disappears and returns to incubation….it was just a glimpse of what might be.
Ultimately we hope to experience the ‘Ah Ha’ moment. That exquisite time when the completed jigsaw puzzle is revealed in our mind’s eye……At this point, we can see and feel the rhythms and flow of the concept. Finer details are revealed as we commence work.
The more we exercise and practise our creative thinking, regardless of what discipline we are involved in, the easier and more fluent this process will become. Playing is a key element in revealing vital clues.
watercolour/gouacheThe human world is filled with turbulence, however if we spread our wings like the magical hummingbird and soar above it all – I believe that we open up the channels of creative possibilities hidden within each one of us.
A bientôt.
“Just imagine becoming the way you used to be as a very young child, before you understood the meaning of any word, before opinions took over your mind. The real you is loving, joyful, and free. The real you is just like a flower, just like the wind, just like the ocean, just like the sun.” Don Miguel Ruiz
All of life in interconnected. Mother Nature and the Magical Hummingbirds remind us of this as they work together rather than in opposition.
Most cultures teach us that safety is found in separation and disconnection.
Mother Nature has given us the perfect example of what happens when we respect the laws of interconnection and also what happens when we don’t……..
Yesterday I visited my good friends Greta and Martin. We met 12 years ago shortly after I moved to London from Wales. It was a Sunday afternoon and I was giving a portrait demonstration for Artslink – a group I had recently connected with. After the demonstration, Greta and Martin introduced themselves and asked if I would be interested in giving a workshop for SOFAP (Fulham/Hammersmith Arts Society) to which I said yes. They also asked if I was related to Carol Weight, who it turned out was one of the early founders of the Society. In fact, Carel was my Father’s cousin.
I will always remember that first workshop….because I knew in every fibre of my mind and body that I was in the right place at that moment in time. Subsequently, during the past 12 years, so much of the work I have done and people I have met in London can be traced back to that Sunday afternoon when I met Greta and Martin. Chance or fate?
Recently, I have been experiencing a glut of ‘coincidences’ – or are they? Six Degrees of Separation is the term we use to describe such happenings when we meet others for the first time who we find are in some way connected to our lives.
I am quite clear that when these ‘coincidences’ occur in a glut…that the hummingbirds are indeed weaving their magic…..
People who sign up for courses at the School in Olhao – 
At this point it doesn’t matter what the subject is, the key is to open one’s eyes and begin to see so that we ready ourselves for the day’s sketching and painting.
After the morning warm up, each person then decides where they would like to sketch. Some choose to stay within the School with its endless supply of inspiration….or to go out into the surrounding alleyways and town…..all within a minute’s walk of the School.
After plein air work some members of the group bring their sketches back to the studio setting where they continue to develop their work.
Those who have followed my blog will know that I believe the creative process in its many forms is the key to mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and so the week in Olhao is not only learning about new tools and techniques, but also experiencing those moments of deep contentment and wellbeing that the creative process can bring.
I believe that by loosening up we advance our observational skills. Regardless of what kind of work we would like to develop,….the loosening up process will help you to reach your goal. 
After a morning of sketching – we then join together for lunch at 1 p.m.
We then work from 4 p.m. til 6 ish.
And….lovely Joanna, who does the housekeeping and makes our breakfast every day, brought the twins to see us….who have grown so much.
I couldn’t possibly finish this post without sharing the beautiful portrait of me drawn by six year old Beatrice….(sister to Charlotte)….I will always cherish this.
For more images of the group’s work you can go to Art in the Algarve on Facebook 
A Bientôt
I have written several blogs about the School and how conducive it is to the creative process. David Clarke, founder of the School clearly understood what was needed. He was a man of vision, and I for one will always be grateful for his gift to artists.
Somewhat like the Tardis the outside doesn’t give away its many different levels, rooms, studio, and courtyards.
Given that the School sits in the middle of the old town of Olhao, which is a working fishing town – it is not necessary to get into a car during the entire week. Everything one could need is within minute’s walking distance…..and for many sketching and painting around the town is an endless source of interest and inspiration
Olhao history is long and fascinating…..Dating back to Roman times, with a clear influence from the Moors and Northern Africa, (400 miles away) Much of the town is in need of restoration…however, this gives it a special kind of charm. It is not the usual golf course, commercial touristy Algarve that we tend to see on advertisements….it is quite unique and very ‘earthy’.
Two of the many old doors that can be seen throughout the town…..along with decorative tiles 
Marry the character of the town with the fish markets, busy fishing port and the beautiful Barrier Islands which are just fifteen minutes away, part of the Ria Formosa National Park, and it soon becomes apparent that there is much to explore, observe and paint.
Storks that nesting in Olhao. 
