This is a hello and a goodbye wrapped up in one. I’ve been working on this piece, quietly and in secret, for the past few weeks.I’m sharing it now… just as I’m about to paint over it. But don’t worry, like a phoenix, it will rise again. The moral of the story? Don’t get too attached to what you paint. I’m doing a 12-week challenge to work on a single piece, no matter what happens to it. Even if you fall in love with it, you have to keep changing it. You can’t stop until the 12 weeks are up. So here’s my daisy before it disappears, layers of spray paint, pattern, and drips. A little wild, a little busy, full of life. Next, it might become something calmer. Maybe softer. Maybe more still. Because perfection is a myth. And the real magic lies in never stopping. Now it’s time for something new. At the moment it feels busy, I might transform the mood into a calmer state, to prove that perfection is a myth and that there are so many ideas to explore the most important thing is you beaver stop. Do you want to join me and work on a piece of your choosing for the next 6 weeks?? It doesn’t have to be so big. Take photos after each painting session to record the journey of your painting.

I have something a little different for you this week. I have turned my Shadow Owl painting into a colouring page for you to enjoy. You can download it free from this email and print it out as many times as you like. https://gxgqjbb.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjE3MjQ3MTUsXCJsXCI6MTY1NzE5MDc4MDg5MDAwMzkxLFwiclwiOjE2NTcxOTEwODY5NjkzNDI4OX0iLCJzIjoiOGY4NGZjMmVkZjNlM2E0NyJ9

Develop your sketchbook skills by completing regular practise techniques. Many of these are suitable for the whole family! They are design to be quick and achievable. So even if you are on a low energy day or don’t have much time you can watch a short video and complete a quick artwork/ exercise in response. Complete a Funky Face and drop it in the community group. The sillier the better! https://www.skool.com/jarman-arts-7011/classroom/086526af

This week at my school we are learning how to build a painting in layers. So far we’ve explored three steps: - Outline drawing - adding texture with coloured pencils - creating a transparent layer of acrylic to block in main colours - The final stage is to add a layer of white acrylic, which will bring everything together and add highlights. Other opaque colours can also be added. This piece is an artist copy inspired by Tahlia Stanton, a great way to study another artist’s techniques and learn how layering creates depth and energy in a painting. I have filmed this so I will add it in my creative boost challenges.

What drawing or painting technique shall I cover in tomorrow’s live painting session?? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!