Hello there, how are you? I hope my words find you peaceful today.
If you are new to my work and words, I welcome you and am honoured that you have decided to walk with me for this part of the road.
What is Walking Heart? This is a written record of my journey into the art of en plein air (painting out doors). For many years now I have wanted to learn this technique but have always felt it unatainable or even unqualified. I have no idea why I felt this as they are just drawings, it is silly how that part of the mind tries to stop you from doing something challenging.
For those who are familiar with my Instagram posts you will agree that is quite similar to me feeling not qualified to call myself an artist, when in actual fact I was clearly being very artistic for the last decade or more, I just never thought to tell anyone until now, (thank you pandemic boredom).
So Yes this blog will document my adventures out into the open. I will be taking my drawing/painting paraphernalia, venture outside of my 4 walled studio, hit the pavement or forest path and try my hand at landscape painting.
I will do one drawing a week and post about it, how I thought I went, why I chose the subject and any feelings I had whislt attmepting the drawing. I shall do this for 12 months like a personal challenge, and hopfully I will become just as “qualified” as anyone else that has attempted this technique.
Why am I doing this now? I hear you ask. My answer is simply, why not?!
Over the last 18 months I have watched and been perplexed at how the world has changed. I have experienced and witnessed so much anxiety, panic and fear, and have decided that for things to get better we need to change. To slow everything down, I want to stop and walk, to look and see. I want to walk within the environment not just through it.
Nature with its power and beauty is the one true thing that is consistent in this collapsing and changing world, I find this knowledge comforting and soothing. So by writing about my experiences it will cement my thoughts, and at the same time be an entertaining read for you. (Also on a personal note, I have been trying to find away to both combine my exercise routine, my art practice and walking my fur baby, basically I need to get out of the house).
So for my first entry I am posting an imagined drawing of me doing what I have always longed todo, as an introduction. I did this peice to help inspire me to make this move. So my next image will be my first attempt of drawning outside. I feel I will start in my own yard (we must stand first before we can walk) and then head out the gate and start creating.
Well that is me for my first entry. I will see you next week. Until then keep walking the path of your own heart.
Walking heart 