I wanted to share a collection I’ve been working on that explores the vibrant world of Matisse and Fauvism. What I enjoyed most about this process was the freedom to move beyond 'perfect' realism and into the world of pure color and rhythm. I loved the challenge of taking a simple, quiet watercolor sketch and 'solving' the page by adding bold frames, geometric plates, or rhythmic botanical doodles. Whether it was using a deep purple block to anchor an off-center lipstick or a sun-yellow border to make a croissant glow, every step felt like a playful discovery. This project reminded me that art doesn't just have to be what we see—it can be the joy we feel when we play with color.

I thought it could be fun to try setting you all a little challenge?! It’s all about turning the ordinary into something extraordinary! 🫟 Find a small, everyday object, like something you might normally throw away or overlook (think: a ticket stub, a button, a scrap of fabric, a tea bag tag, a feather, or even a bit of string). 🫟 Your mission: Incorporate this found object into a mixed media artwork! You can paint around it, stitch it in, collage it, or let it inspire a whole new character or scene. (It doesn’t have to be anything grand, just a little creation is great!) 🫟 Let your curiosity lead the way and have fun with the process. 🫟 Share your creation in the group and tell us what your found object was! Let’s see how many different ways we can turn “junk” into joy. 🫟 Enjoy yourself 🤩🤪

Love painting faces and people and the second one is a Pinterest inspiration - just loved the brightness in the picture.Want to try some Modigliani styles next 😊

This is an interesting technique! 🔨 Hammering flowers 🌺 petals and leaves 🍃 🍁 can transfer their dye onto paper. These could be beautiful works of art in themselves or cards or collage pieces to incorporate into your art. Not sure how well it stays or whether it’s permanent?! It’s bringing me all sorts of arty ideas 💡 Anyone tried it out? Anyone want to try it? I certainly do 🌷 🌺 🌹 🌺 🔨 🔨 🔨

After your challenge of incorporating everyday objects into a painting I came across some spare coat buttons. So I decided to have a bit of fun. Just a silly painting really.