JOY FILLED JOTTINGS!

Hi and Happy New Year !

I am writing this on January 10th and it's probably the last time I type or greet anyone with the HNY salutations this year - hoping you all had peaceful and pleasant festive celebrations and are easing gently in to 2026.

What will 2026 bring I wonder? It is easy to feel a sense of fear at all the negative goings on in the world that are out of our control and I am so thankful for any moments when I become totally immersed and absorbed in my artwork. We all need pursuits and interests that bring joy and challenge us - not just as a distraction from the horribleness of life at times, but to gain a sense of achievement and self value; things we can grow with and that connect us with others, whether it's a team sport, a creative outlet or simply getting out on regular walks that increase fitness over time.

What's your go-to way to spend time that makes you happy? Let me know and whatever it is may 2026 bring you great opportunity to pursue it!

I re-read my September jottings before starting these and (shows how appallingly bad my short term memory is...) was surprised to read I had typed this about my experience at the Open Studios last year:

I had completely forgotten I felt and wrote that. Over the festive break as I reflected on last years learnings and what sold etc. I had already decided to focus on works that stem from my emotional responses, rather than more careful depictions from photo references, and in that vein I have just finished a deeply personal work that has a more surreal feel to it. We lost our last old cat Merlin in December, and the night we said goodbye to him, the moon was low and huge, visible right beside a large silver birch in the vets car park and I said quietly to myself 'night night Merlin' as we wandered sadly back to the car. The mental image stuck with me and from this I have just completed a watercolour work I am calling ''Merlin Moon''. I think of him forever in the moonbeams now...

There's silver acrylic paint added in small amounts and to the lettering too:

It's a little tribute to Merlin and the 18.5 years off fun and companionship he gave us - not supremely commercial but I loved bringing it out of my head and love the finished piece. A white frame for this one I think?

Thank you for reading and do send thoughts and comments - I'd love to read them. I will finish as I did in September, with this truth:

Stay true to yourself for what you put the most heart into is what others will connect with.

Until next time,
Warmest Regards
Deb