ARTY FARTY UPDATES vs LATEST ARTWORKS
As life is quite busy for me lately* I’ve been trying to think of an idea for reasonably quick blog posts, that are in line with what Write of the Middle is all about, and that are able to help me keep up a presence here on the blog until I get more time available to me for more structured and thought out blog posts. So . . . drum roll . . . I decided to periodically post photos of my latest artworks, when I have some to share.
I was going to call it my Arty Farty series (cos I love a bit of humour & fun, love to keep things light as much as possible on the blog, have always loved and used the term arty farty, and love arty farty people) but then I googled Arty Farty and the meanings that I read put me off that idea! For example, here’s some of the meanings/descriptions I came across below.
From Collins dictionary:
If you describe someone as arty-farty, you are criticizing them for being interested in artistic ideas or activities that most people do not think are interesting or worthwhile.
From Cambridge dictionary:
Trying too hard to make other people admire your artistic knowledge or ability (eg Phil and his arty farty friends)
From Dictionary.com:
Informal artistic in a pretentious way
Um – these are NOT what I mean when I say arty farty but to avoid any confusion I decided to stick to boring ‘ol “Latest Artworks” instead. Another thought was Latest Art Dabbles? I’m slipping into ‘overthinking’ territory as I’m known to do so please do let me know your thoughts on ‘dabbles’ and perhaps you think latest artworks isn’t boring or maybe you have a better idea for what I could call these posts. I am all ears!
This post is longer than subsequent posts will be as I’ve explained the background around why they’ve come to be and how life is for me lately. Subsequent posts will mostly be photos of whatever art I’ve done with a brief description around each one.
LIFE LATELY & LATEST ARTWORKS
There hasn’t been time for a lot of art lately but I’ve still managed to carve out some time for a little, and I’ll share those below. The first mini painting (the Mandarin Fish) that’s shown below was the first bit of art I had done for months and I felt rusty and unrelaxed. As a result, I’m not happy with it, but it was the little bridge back into my arty farty zone and it is a symbol of me making time for art again when times had been tough, so go me! When I’m doing art, I get into a really relaxed state, go into the ‘zone’, and my focus is entirely on the task at hand, not all the problems of the world, which is a really good thing is it not?!
I have quite a few mini paintings from when I did my 100 Day Project and I found some cute little square frames from K-Mart (a trio nest of three) that suit the sizing of my little mini paintings. So, I’m trying to complete sets of three so I can frame them up in these frames. What I do with them after that is yet to be decided!!
During the 100 Day Project – on Day 77 I did a mini painting of a clownfish. Therefore, I needed two more fish themed mini paintings to complete a set. Here’s fish themed mini paintings 2 & 3:
Mandarin Fish – a mate for the clown fish mini painting. I wasn’t very happy with this one but I hadn’t done any art in ages so was feeling a bit rusty. One more fishy themed mini painting needed!
A school of fish – and that completes the trio of fish themed mini paintings!
As part of Mum’s Christmas gift bundle, I gave her one of my paintings framed. It was the handful/bunch of Australian Native Flowers one that I did for Day 73 of my 100 Day Project. I knew she had loved that one. We hung it in her bedroom on one side of the room and she told me she’d like a matching one for the other side of the room. So one of the weeks that I was staying with her I set myself up on the back patio and I drew and then painted a vase of Australian Native Flowers to go with the first one.
This is where I set myself up to do art at Mum’s. It’s like sitting up in a tree house – beautiful trees and birds all around and wonderful natural light. I can’t complain!
Here’s some ‘in progress’ shots that I thought you might like to see.
Vase of Australian Native Flowers in progress (1)
Vase of Australian Native Flowers in progress (2)
The finished product – ‘Vase of Australian Native Flowers’ (for Mum)
The Vase of Australian Native Flowers painting framed up for Mum.
It’s been hung in her bedroom and they both go together so well and look great. Best of all Mum is very happy with them so that is the important thing.
On Days 75 and 94 of my 100 Day Project I’d created some ‘Gum Flowers’ and ‘Daisies’ mini paintings so I needed a third to fit with the theme, and so the protea was created.
Protea Mini Painting in progress.
Completed protea mini painting at top and it’s trio mates below.
That’s all for now but stay tuned for my next update which will be whenever I have something new to share!
Ciao for now,
*I’m living one week with Mum, one week back home, and on repeat. A sister is with Mum on the weeks I’m not over there. Mum has been unwell since November and was hospitalised for three weeks during December. She was discharged just before Christmas but has needed someone with her since that time. Mum’s condition has improved in recent weeks and bit by bit we are getting things in place to help with Mum’s ability to live independently at home. Hopefully, with time, we can reduce the time we need to stay over there and Mum can get on with living and enjoying life.
UPDATE: Post title changed from ‘Latest Artworks’ to ‘ART CHAT: Show ‘n’ Tell’ on 21 March 2022
Linked up with Denyse Whelan Blogs for #LifeThisWeek
22 Comments
Oh, you’re very talented! I particularly love the florals. Oh wonderful to discover and explore a talent.
Thanks so much Christine! It sure has been fun to discover that I can do this. It’s just a matter of finding time nowadays but I’ll find a way because I find it so very satisfying and enjoyable!
Stunning work Min and your talent shines through. I love how you showed your work in progress. I would love to try but have no idea where to start and the self-doubt around my ability (I can’t draw a stick figure) holds me back. I really am appreciating your work. I love the Australian flora you have chosen as your subject. Keep going with your wonderful talent, Min. xx #lifethisweek
Thank you so much Sue. You’re so kind and complimentary and it’s very much appreciated. You should give art a try. You might surprise yourself just as I surprised myself! I love the Australian florals – I’m in love with them. In fact I think I’ll do more of them. I’m at Mum’s again this week but hoping to find a little time this week to do a bit of art. Thanks for your support! xo
You are so talented Min and the framed pictures are just delightful, no wonder your mum loves them. I like the Arty Farty updates as it doesn’t seem like you are taking things too seriously, more a fun and casual approach regardless of the actual meanings – my thoughts only! The mini proteas are amazing by the way. Glad your mum is improving and hope you manage to get her the help she needs. #lifethisweek
Thanks so much Deb! I’m quite pleased with the Australian florals I’ve done for Mum. The frames are just cheap K-Mart ones though.They’d probably look a lot nicer in better quality frames but these will do for now anyway. I’m so pleased to hear you like the Arty Party Updates idea! I do too but I had no idea that term had the meanings I discovered! I may change to that – but will wait and see if anyone else has thoughts to share on the topic. Thanks for your support and encouragement with my art. Mum is a lot better after a diagnosis and appropriate treatment but there’s still some areas of concern. We had an ACAT assessment today and hoping to get things in place eventually to help her resume some independence etc. Have a great week!
Min I’ve been following your artwork on Instagram and just loving it. You are so talented. Your paintings and sketchings are just so evocative, and they tell stories in their own right. Love the recent protea, one of my fave flowers … Having spent time in South Africa where they grew profusely. Keep on painting!
Oh Jo – thank you so much. You made me teary (in a good way). It’s been tough lately so I guess it doesn’t take much to set me off but aside from that it’s just so encouraging and touching to read your genuine words of support and encouragement. It means so much to me. Thank you! xo p.s. I adore the proteas too!
Your flowers are really great. They’re lovely. all of them!
Thanks so much Lydia – you’re very kind to say so!
Hi Min – your artwork is just lovely and those flowers you painted for your mum are beautiful. You are such a good daughter giving up so much time to help your Mum recover and prepare to live independently again. I’m not sure I could invest that much of my time away from home (and I don’t have your extra family commitments!) Enjoy this special mother/daughter time and I’m sure it will leave you with a lot of precious memories for the years to come.
Hi Leanne, thank you for your lovely comments on my art and on me helping Mum. I have to admit it’s been tough and I have my moments where I have a whinge or get down but I always think of Dad and how I’d give anything to have him back here with us and that helps me to get my priorities in place. Meanwhile, I think we are getting closer now to being able to reduce the time we stay here (my sister and I) as we get things in place to help Mum (and us). You’re right – these times will hold many special memories for the future. xo
You have so much talent. These look fantastic! I also love your sunny balcony.
Thanks so much Jody! It’s a gorgeous back patio at Mum’s house. It’s like being up in a treehouse with beautiful nature around you – trees and birds. It’s lovely!
Thank you, Min, for sharing your lovely artworks with us. The Vase of Australian Native Flowers is beautiful. I hope your Mum is comfortable and feeling better. Have a great week ahead!
Thanks Natalie! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing my art. I’m quite pleased with the vase of Australian Native Flowers. 🙂
Oh wow; your paintings are just beautiful! I haven’t dabbled with watercolors since I was in college. I LOVED working with watercolors and really wish I had not stopped using them. Now I am so intimidated to pick them back up and try again.
Thanks so much Joanne! Don’t be too intimidated to pick up your watercolour and brushes again. I find I get like that too and the best way to fix it is just to DO IT and the more I do it, the more comfortable and relaxed I get with it. If I have too long away from it, I get all uptight about it again (like now)!
I love the details and delicacy in your art works Min. A true skill and talent here, I see. I also understand art has to be done within a zone and I am glad you got back to yours in a managed way. Helping with your mum has been such a focus of love and care and you are to be commended. Not all of us are made for that. I am, sadly, one.
Thank you for sharing Your blog post linked for #LifeThisWeek. I look forward to seeing you again when you next link up! Warm wishes. Denyse.
Thank you Denyse. You’re always so generous with your praise and encouragement. I’m having a bit of trouble getting time for art at the moment and also in the right mood so I can get in the zone .. but hopefully that will come back to me again soon. Thanks also for your words on the care of Mum. I have my moments, trust me. It’s not always been easy and it does take a toll. She is very important to me though so I will do the best I can do. We are trialling reducing the time we are there now – so she will have the occasional day home alone. We will see how that goes. xo
oh such wonderful artworks. sorry to say yes i always think of ‘arty farty’ as being pejorative. someone who is a bit of a – well, i can only think of the word wanker. sorry!:-) But anyway, your art is lovely! very talented.
Thanks so much Sherry! I had never known arty farty could be thought of in a negative way. To me it was a fun jokey kind of phrase. I’m steering clear of it anyway to avoid misinterpretation etc!