‘Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.’ Nadeem Aslam.
I have been working on a large oil painting over the summer. It’s 5′ x 4′ (152 x 122 cm) and for the first time, I am using Winsor & Newton water mixable oils. They behave and work in much the same way as regular oils and the clean up is so much easier. I give them an all round thumbs up.
I wanted to express through this painting the interconnectedness of all life.
As humans we seem to be fixated with what can be seen and touched. I am much more interested in the unseen magic and wonders of our world. My goal is to achieve a sense of atmosphere and emotion, tapping into the intangible elements of life.
Given that the painting incorporates the same symbolism I have been using in my work during the past forty years, it is also a self portrait of my life as an artist.
The painting is still a work in progress.

I am a lover of all animals, and especially big and little cats.
The tigers symbolise passion, mystery, sensuality and patience.
The Peacock – nobility, guidance, immortality and renewal.
The Great White Egret – is known in many ancient cultures as the spirit messenger.
The hummingbirds – were believed to be messengers between the worlds, symbolising eternity, continuity and infinity.
The landscape in this painting is taken from the magnificent Amalfi Coast in Italy. I stayed in Conca dei Marini last October and fell in love with the place…..and its exquisite light.
I found a beautiful little fountain with a stone cherub overlooking the bay where I painted watercolours, which I used as reference in this painting.
The Little cat in the bottom left hand corner of the painting, visited me there, and it felt as if she had brought a message to me from my beloved cat Cristeve.
The Morning Glory flowers, symbolise death and re-birth. The seeds which have hallucinogenic properties were made into drinks by the Aztecs when communicating with the spirits.
The new moon – represents – new beginnings.
The following are some watercolours used as reference for this painting:-
Great White Egret.

The little visiting calico cat.

Conca dei Marini, Amalfi Coast.


For anyone interested in my blogs over the past five years….Go into my website at http://www.janetweightreed.co.uk and click on the ‘Archive blog’ button.
For now I wish one and all a beautiful day filled with loving hummingbirds:)
A Bientôt