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 – watercolour
I 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 – watercolour
Without 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.com
Through 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. – watercolour
During 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
