Kerrie Woodhouse's Blog, page 14

Where do you get your creative inspiration?

Apparently if you ask Neil Gaiman where ideas come from he might just say something like, "a little shop near Bognor Regis". For inspired creatives who produce consistently it seems to be something of a tiresome question. Hmm, must be hard for them. But what do us lesser mortals do?

Well, as far as I can see, the difference between consistent creative producers and those of us asking these sorts of questions is that the producers have figured out how to 'show up'. 

   

You see it’s a bit like t...

Fresh Flowers and Fresh Starts

Fresh flowers are a joy to paint. Their sweet little faces are such a thing of hope. At the time of writing this it is spring so there is an abundance of new blooms about.

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Fresh Flowers no 1 Spring is Here - (Watercolour on paper, 9"x 12")

 

But the reality is that new blooms appear year round. Seemingly eternal geraniums, marigolds in summer and plumbago in autumn. Even snow will not deter the little snowdrop.

   

It is this relentless optimism that I adore. The stu...

Is your inner critic preventing you from doing your creative work?

I know. You have this little creative itch to scratch. Plans of starting a sketchbook practice, journalling regularly, getting back into painting or dusting off that guitar.

But somehow actually Doing The Thing just doesn't happen.  Life seems to get in the way. All other things seem to declare themselves more important than your creative urges. And if you do manage to tip toe towards starting there's that little voice that pipes up as soon as your first tentative steps are taken. She's mean,...

The Meaning of Home

The first home I painted this month was so nestled in its environment. As though the trees and gardens held the home in a safe embrace, much like the walls of the home hug the familiy within.

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Home no 1 - Nestled (Pen and Wash, on paper, 6"x 8")

 

That’s what home is to me.

Layers of comfort and security.

Safety and belonging. A place where all is familiar and you have what you need.

 

Home no 2 - Belong (Pen and Wash, on paper 6 x 8 inches)

 

Cozy places to cur...

It's okay to stay in your comfort zone

I saw a meme the other day that said:

“Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone”

Hmmm everything?… 

I have to disagree.  I have to reject the idea that I am in a state of wanting and that I will have to be uncomfortable, seemingly interminably.

The quickest way to happiness is to want what you already have.

Sure, there will always be more to aim for but I believe this is best achieved from a place of grateful contentment.

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Giraffes no 1 - Solo (Waterc...

Managing anxiety with a trip to the beach

A beach holiday is definitely my favourite kind of holiday.

A chance to step out of your life for a bit and watch the world go by for a bit instead of hurrying to try and keep up with it.

Days filled with time at the beach and the pool and no more complicated decision to make in each day than what to have for dinner. Bliss. This always gives me a bit of perspective on my life. 

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Beach Holiday no 2 - Boys will be Boys (Watercolour on paper, 8"x11")

 

I like to wal...

Stand out to fit in

A little while ago I painted a series of tiny little birds and they got me thinking about the sort of big showy birds that usually get a lot of attention.

I thought they would be fun to paint with big splashes of bold colour - I was right - so much fun!

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Dramatic Birds no 2 - Peacock (Watercolour on paper, 9"x12")

 

Spend some time observing these dramatic birds and before long you realise you are watching self confidence in action. 

   

These birds seem to be li...

Do you have a secret unlived life?

Do you love an intriguing pathway?

Me too.

I love a garden path with little delights hidden round each bend.  That's what I have been painting recently.

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Garden Path no 3 - Lavender walk (Watercolour on paper, 9"x12")

 

We are all naturally curious, aren't we?

Sometimes it's a light on the horizon that draws us in. 

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Garden Path no 8 Sunlit Bend (Watercolour on paper, 9"x12")

 

Or the invitation of an open gate.

Actually, even a closed gate has a certain allure....

Do you have too many plump and juicy ideas?

Berries and seeds are tiny symbols of hope and possibility - don't you think?  I love that something so small can be so mighty. From a tiny little seed a whole new plant can come to be - nature’s everyday magic.

   

From the tiniest acorn grows a mighty oak.

Only it doesn’t have to.

Not every acorn will become a tree. We do not judge those acorns that don't end up transforming themselves. 

We see their fascinating shapes and textures and delight in their current stage. T...

Find your resting places

There is something so enticing about a quiet bench in a beautiful spot. It is an invitation to stop even just for a moment, to take a breath and slow down.

   

No charging port or wifi necessary. Bet we all need to do a bit more of that. If we have become so busy that we feel we do not have the time to sit still for a moment, is that really progress?

   

Do we see time spent sitting in quiet contemplation or even staring into space, thinking about nothing in part...