So now what do I do?
Right then… No one could have predicted this awful turn of events and I wouldn’t dare to complain. Covid-19 has really shone a light on those who are most vital and most precious to us. Lives are being risked, disrupted, put on hold and torn apart, and I realise how lucky I am in so many ways. That’s not to say that when the full implications of the virus became clear I didn’t go into complete meltdown about the sudden disappearance of everything I’ve worked towards over the past 10 years - I am a self-absorbed artistic type after all!
With the closure of all the studios, shops and galleries and the shelving of all my current commissions, it did feel as though the past 10 years had all been a nice dream, and one that I shouldn’t ever have relied on.
So I spent several days feeling very sorry for myself and then I did what everyone else is doing. I picked myself up and decided to get on with it.
So this is my plan…
First, I’m taking time to look back over my recent projects, and remembering how much I just enjoyed working on them. Simple as that….
Illustrations for “The Return of Kitty the Toon” by John Miles. This book tells the story of the world’s first inland Kittiwake colony. Every summer they nest in and around the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside. The Kitty in the title is one of the Kittiwakes and this children’s book is told from her point of view. It also promotes John’s ideas about conservation and how the Quayside can be adapted to accommodate these beautiful and important little gulls. Coming soon, that’s all I can say!
I’ve wanted to paint the tulip meadows at Howick Hall Gardens for ages, and loved playing with the different shapes and colours of the tulips. I was determined to have this one ready for the new season, I just didn’t realise it would be the 2021 season! I call this one “Tulips and Cherry Blossom” and it sits alongside “Spring Daffodils” and “Snowdrop Sunrise”.
Second, I’m getting started on the massive list of new paintings I have in my head. My family will tell you that I do a lot of complaining about how little time I have to actually draw and paint. This is my chance! Here’s the first one, still in progress…
The Yorkshire Dales. I want this to be an illustrated map but to include elements of landscape too. At the moment I’m thinking about how the different colours and tones can work together. I like the pale washy colours but I’m also very fond of a bit of black. It really is like a puzzle that needs to be solved.
I also have plans for paintings of Felton (where my studio is - I miss going there so much), Rothbury, Alnmouth, the Yorkshire Moors, the Angel of the North and Fountains Abbey.
Thirdly, I’m taking advantage of the fantastic courses there are in Northumberland for small businesses of all kinds. Today I did an online workshop using Microsoft Teams, where I almost managed to join in (except I couldn’t get the webcam to work, then the microphone wouldn’t work so I just sat there and listened while they looked at the top of my head!).
I also plan to spend less money, drink less wine, be nice to everyone all the time, oh yes and get fit. Not sure how straightforward that will be but I’m going to aim high.
I really hope everyone who reads this is keeping safe and well. I also hope that looking at some happy pictures and hearing how a tiny Northumbrian business is aiming to get through this has been a small distraction.
Thanks for reading.