Ashley Stuart
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Sketchbook

New Pattern Design in Process

20/1/2021

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Bird footprints in the wet sand
Bird footprints that I found intriguing
Blue watercolor painting of the bird footprints
Watercolor footprints to be used for a pattern design
In a recent trip to Holkham Beach, I found footprint patterns littering the sand. I was followed the path of the beach-skittering birds had taken, enamored with the simplicity and beauty of their print. After photographing a number of them, I have recreated these prints into shapes with watercolor. I plan to create a new pattern design for my product shops.

My photo library is filled with bits and pieces of inspiration. These photos are taken of landscapes, a quirky position of colorful umbrellas, scraps of broken plate on the ground, patterns in brick lines – anything that catches my eye by marking the checkboxes of shape, form, color, function, balance, so on and so forth. Each of these photos is kept until used, though some have been neglected for years. But all this to say, process is not instantaneous. It takes time and consideration, needs to be true to the world at that time.

Each person has their way of using inspiration. What's yours? Comment below. 
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Reflecting Motherhood in a Resume

7/1/2021

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Ashley Stuart mothering her two daughters.
Days after Lorelei was born. More details below.
My finger hovered over the ‘return’ button, ready to send the email where I explain to my awesome boss at my awesome job that I was leaving. My daughter Emerson was 10 months old, trying desperately to walk but falling instead, clinging while wanting independence … you might know the stage. I hovered and hesitated because I had already given so much of myself to creating, birthing, and caring for this little human. How could I possibly give up this, too?
 
As hard as it was and as many feelings as I felt, I did. And I’m glad. Now, once again, it’s time to update my resume. My girls have grown to school-age leaving me more time to myself. Now, nearly one year has passed since opening my online art shop, my life-long dream. But a small worry is nagging me: How do I explain my absence of a “steady work history" after leaving my career to care for my daughters?

I researched but most of the articles I found were largely unhelpful for my experience and situation. They were directed more so to those laid-off, or changing careers, or quitting and traveling, or similar. None about motherhood. This position is not often referred to as a "job" so upon reflection why did it sound like one? What exactly did I do doing those years? Turns out, I did a lot. Too much at times while always thinking it was too little. I never had a lack of steady work; I was tasked with increased responsibility and I adapted in kind. I am a boss girl to the max.
Following birth, my duties shifted to caring for incisions, injections, and scarring; meal planning for various stages of ability; ensuring correctly sized clothes, shoes, toys, and accessories, including but not limited to car seats, strollers, and carriers; and cleansing bodies, garments and accessories of all bodily functions not caught by highly researched safeguarding measures."
​All duties were performed in fast-paced or painfully slow, often high-stress and/or low-sleep, environments."
​The picture above was taken by my husband mere days after Lorelei was born. When this was taken, I was dealing with postpartum hormones, mastitis and trouble breastfeeding, falling out hair, my husband recovering from an infection in his legs, exhaustion, a second cesarean wound, grief for not being able to have a vaginal birth, a family sick with the flu (yes, even little Lorelei), and an understandably clinging toddler. In the month following this photo, I lost my grandfather, had an infection where the cannula was in my hand, had a huge health scare with both daughters, and decided to make an international move. This picture represents so much for me and it is the most beautiful picture I have of my mothering. With all that was happening, look how much love is there.
My resume has now been updated, the creation and the raising of these little humans now humorously reflected in my work history.
Give it a Read
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The Final 2020 Commission Reveal

28/12/2020

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Initial quick sketch of the building
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Final Painting
I'm pleased to reveal the final 2020 commission piece. It was the sole project for the last two months and I'm so incredibly pleased and proud of how it has come to life.

​I have to be honest – it was incredibly difficult to keep this commission a secret for so long. The piece was a Christmas gift and it had to be kept a secret as its for one of my amazing friends. During our last catch-up he mentioned wanting something for his house and I had to steer him into not buying something until "after Christmas". I'm not one to be devious so this was terribly difficult!
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Detail of the doorway
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Sketches for the building sign lettering
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Building sign lettering
I created some quick sketches of the building and some components as all photos of the building were seen at an angle, but I wanted the painting to be straight on. ​Starting with a light architectural sketch using vanishing points, the watercolors were applied in washes that became more and more detailed.
Many parts of the initial sketch were blocked out to retain vibrancy. The entire piece was finished with detailed watercolor and graphite to help create dimension and depth.

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Block out applied to the windows and door
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Final layers being applied
​My biggest struggle was the trees. I was afraid they would overtake the building. Keeping the foliage washes of primary colors without detail helps them become part of the building in a constructive way. This also allowed for the windows behind the foliage to peek through.

​The absolute best part of the process was working with the client. She was amazing, understanding, and supportive. We were in touch with progress every two weeks. And the recipient's message made the entire process complete. 
We love the painting so much! I can't wait to get it framed. I was totally surprised!!! It's gorgeous... It's literally so beautiful – your talent is amazing. 

2021 Commission are Open

Enquire Now
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Special Sales and First Dibs

24/12/2020

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Collector Only January Sale
Time to spread some merry cheer! Join The Collector to get access to the 2021 new year sale. All artwork will be up to 40% off for Collectors only until January 15, 2021. The shop is otherwise closed until after the sale. Happy browsing!
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Restart Peterborough – NOW OPEN!

4/12/2020

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The Museum and Gallery are open for business!
After our month-long lockdown the "Restart Peterborough" art exhibition at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery has officially opened. It was originally scheduled to open the week we went into lockdown. Featuring a mixed range of art from locals, the exhibition also inspires hope and joy as we move into the winter season and a vaccination plan in the UK.

Come visit and enjoy the art, the Georgian architecture, the Christmas decor, and a cuppa at the café. Each piece of art is available for purchase. See you there!

Videos can be seen on my Instagram!
Local Artist Ashley Stuart excitedly posting with her three entries to the exhibition.
Pictured with my three exhibition entries at the Peterborough City Museum and Art Gallery.
Peterborough City Museum and Art Gallery
Peek at one of three rooms filled with artworks from local Peterborough artists.
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Peterborough City Gallery Art Exhibition Entry

27/10/2020

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Close up of
Thumb of "Autumn from Above" inspired by the grand views of the village of Collyweston.
My third painting for the City Gallery art exhibition was inspired by autumnal views from Collyweston. I adore this village. Ancient stones, grand houses, quaint cottages, and the best scenic views. Above is a detail image of the autumnal landscape painting. You can view more images of the painting on Instagram. I will also be releasing the paintings in my next email to The Collectors.
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Moody Clouds

26/10/2020

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Another great Monday at Gallery Stamford watercolor class. Practiced clouds today as they are ever-so troublesome. One could think, "Clouds are white, sky is blue," but if you really look closely, clouds are a rainbow of colors in all shades and tints. And it's important to mention they are always moving so some sort of brushstroke or technique is required to get that feeling. Best piece of advice for creating these clouds: what you do not paint is equally as important as what you do paint. Above are the two pieces completed today, I hope you enjoy.
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View from Belvoir Castle, a Landscape

22/10/2020

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We visited Belvoir Castle this past weekend. It is a family favorite. The home is so lovely and who doesn't love visiting a film set? (The Crown was filmed here!) We always end up with an arm load of future presents for the girls, goodies for a delicious meal, and one-of-a-kind loose leaf tea from the Engine Yard. As we drove into the car park, there is a rolling view of the fields below the castle that are magnificent. In an artist daze, I left my family and wandered towards the view snapping photos as I traveled. Don't worry, my husband is used to this by now :) Below is the first painting created the day afterwards.
Process picture of Original Watercolor by Ashley Stuart
The first ultramarine layer applied to create the basic shadows and skeleton of the painting.
A light sketch was drawn as a guide. Using ultramarine blue, I layered the first shapes and washes to create the basic shadows. Then I applied to lemon yellow to achieve the greens and highlights of the landscape. A small bit of cadmium red was last and only served as a highlight to the fields.
Details from an Original Watercolor by Ashley Stuart
The last of the washes applied before a final layer of ultramarine was painted.
Original Watercolor of the View from Belvoir Castle by Ashley Stuart
The final watercolor painting. I added the water in the foreground though it is not in the landscape at Belvoir Castle.
Paints:
Windsor & Newton Cotman 
Cadmium Red Pale Hue 103
Windsor & Newton Cotman Lemon Yellow Hue
Windsor & Newton Professional Ultramarine (Green Shade)
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Two Landscapes, Different Times

21/10/2020

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A sunrise and sunset landscape duo will be entered into the Peterborough City Gallery exhibition. I love watching the watercolor washes interact. New colors emerge and shapes are defined by saturation and transparency. One more painting to make for the exhibition and then will be submitting the last week of October. Exciting!!
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Peterborough Museum City Gallery

12/10/2020

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Today I'm preparing some watercolor paper for three new pieces. These pieces will be exhibiting at the Peterborough Museum City Gallery. The exhibition will feature and celebrate Peterborough-based artists. I'm thrilled at this opportunity after such a long period of uncertainty and the closure of many spaces. Exhibition dates will be released soon. #watchthisspace
Visit Website
Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF
​01733 864663
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Love from a Collector

6/10/2020

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A lovely note from a Collector yesterday and it absolutely made me tingle with joy. The connections I make with each Collector is very important to me. It's an incredible part of what I do as an artist! Over the last few months, people from all over the world have taken the time to write me an email or two and it really warms my heart. A huge thank you to all of you.
"Red Door Cottage" giclée print
I just wanted to thank you for sending your beautiful artwork so quickly and for packaging it so carefully. We truly adore both of the prints and are so looking forward to hanging them in our home (I’m working on the framing). Your artwork is amazing and you are so very talented. I am thrilled that you’re finding a way to pursue your passion—it looks like it’s really working for you!
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Studio: Wash Landscapes

26/9/2020

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Layers of landscape paintings by Ashley Stuart
Busy day in the studio
A study of watercolor wash landscapes. Making a mini series of these mini paintings. I'm drawn to the organic shapes of the peaks and pines. I'm also intrigued by the new colors formed with this meditative layering of washes.
Into the New Sunlight by Ashley Stuart
Into the New Sunlight
Blanket of Clouds by Ashley Stuart
Blanket of Clouds
Misty Morning Fog by Ashley Stuart
Misty Morning Fog
View in the Shop
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Studio: Primary Color Application

21/9/2020

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Much like a screen print process, I used only Ultramarine, Lemon Yellow, and Cadmium Red, layering in that order on the paper. The secondary and tertiary colors created were very fun to uncover. I focused on the tints and shades of each hue and applied the paint appropriately, leaving white space as the main highlights (very important). Overall I think I prefer the monotone blue best, but the end result is also beautiful. Now available in the Shop.
View in the Shop
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Fabrics, Decor + Wallpaper on Spoonflower.com

15/9/2020

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In addition to my paintings and collections, my watercolors can be found on fabrics, where you can make what you'd like, or homewares, decor, and wallpaper. I'll be updating this shop frequently and will release new patterns within The Collector community.
Visit Spoonflower Shop
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Studio: Wash Exploration

14/9/2020

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