ASHLEY STUART
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Sketchbook

An Artist's Christmas List...

11/12/2022

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Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash

Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year!

As I'm preparing to explore new mediums in the new year, it would seem my Christmas list has more art supplies than ever before. I wanted to share a couple with you in case you needed some inspiration as well.

Caran D'ache Coloring Pencils
I want to get more drawings underway this year and also a great depth of saturation of color. I've been surveying artists desks, trying to pickup what materials they are using. These are a popular choice!
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Uni Posca Paint Markers
For all those little bits of white and bright color that are needed overtop the final paintings.
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Himi Guache Set
I worked with guache while at uni, but haven't explored the medium since. 2023 will be the year!

Sakura Sketch Notebook
There are two sizes I like, one is square and the other is portrait. Sometimes I find the shape of the paper influences my art so best to keep two sketchbooks going at the same time.
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Thank You Note

5/4/2021

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Red-roofed Norwegian cottage sitting on a backdrop of turquoise water and mountains, with a field of hay in the front.
"Norwegian Cottage" original watercolor by Ashley Stuart
Coming up on a year of running my online art shop and I'm still in awe when someone buys my work. The surprise and excitement hits me like a ton of bricks every single time. Every piece has a story behind it, so when someone else appreciates the piece as well, oh gosh, it makes my day.

The piece pictured is the latest to sell. It was made before the sun rose. Hot coffee in front of me, tempting my paint brush to rinse itself as usual. I have an affinity for cottages and love the Scandinavian color palette (bright and muted in just the right places). Birdsong was playing from my iTunes and only two small lamps lit. Inspired by some photos as we traveled Norway in... well, it seems like another lifetime now. During the creation, my block-out ripped the paper. Although gutted, I tried fixing the piece with a 3-dimensional effect making the cottage removable. The result is wonderful. More to come!

This piece will continue its story in a new space and my heart is full.
View on LinkedIn
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Reflecting Motherhood in a Resume

7/1/2021

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It's 2016. My finger hovers over the ‘return’ button, ready to send the email where I explain to my awesome boss at my awesome job that I am leaving. Simultaneously, my first child was 10 months old and trying desperately to walk but falling instead, grasping the air while fighting for independence. You might know the stage. I hesitated because I had already given so much of myself to creating, birthing, and caring for this little human. How could I possibly let this part of me go? How will I explain my absence of a “steady work history" after leaving my career to care for my children?

I've been thinking of updating my resume now. Soon it will be time to reinvigorate my career, but the question still stands: how will I explain the shift in my timeline. I read articles but most I found were largely unhelpful for my experience and situation. They were directed towards 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" but why did it feel so much like one at times? 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. It turns out I never had a lack of steady work, but was tasked with increased responsibilities and I adapted in kind.

I'm planning to use a cover letter to explain my personal goal and how it has been achieved. While I've been out of the "game" for a while, I feel more prepared than ever to take on greater tasks with dynamic teams. Let's see how this goes.
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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. 
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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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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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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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From the Dayton Daily News

7/9/2020

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Artist Ashley Stuart in the Dayton Daily News
What a wonderful reporter to work with. And my heart is filled that I can be so "close" with my hometown community while abroad. A huge thanks to Don Thrasher and the Dayton Daily News for sharing my story and artwork. Much love to you Dayton, always and forever!
Read Article
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From the In Your Area Newsroom

7/9/2020

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High-fives all-around. The news is apparently out... so exciting! Hopefully this draws more people to find the beauty just outside their doorstep.
Read Article
In Your Area Newsroom photo
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Forest Bathing: Self-Care as Launch Nears

1/9/2020

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The Forest at Nene Park
The trail I walk most often, taken at sunset in Nene Park.
Peeling myself away from my studio is necessary for both self-care and inspiration. But sometimes difficult, especially as a launch nears and the to-do list lingers. Nearly everyday, either with the dog or the entire family, I walk through the forest that surrounds our village. It is an easy place to wander and let the dog off-lead while the kids can run aimlessly. But recently I learned that this act has a name and science behind it. It is called Forest Bathing.

Our nearby forest is dense, green, and  lush. Sounds of birdsong and moving river water intertwine. Horses whinny, children cheer, paddle-boarders glide, roots trip, snails cross (or hang on to an impossibly thin stem), steam trains chug, and vast land suddenly appears through small openings (see Nene Park Trail painting).

​By taking the time to experience these aspects of the forest, I have been unknowingly (at least in my brain, my body is always more clever about these things) partaking in this relaxation method. It's a wonder I'm so attracted to this point in the day as it offers more than I thought! 
Here are some tips:
  • Leave your device behind
  • Slow your pace (and your heart rate)
  • Slow breathing
  • Consider what you see, hear and smell
  • Touch the leaves or bark as you pass

According to Forestry England, this is a Japanese method of relaxation called shinrin yoku. The translation of this term is "Nature therapy". Breathing deeply while taking in nature with all senses and maintaining quiet can de-stress, boost health, and improve wellbeing in both children and adults.

Another benefit of forest bathing is the phytoncides, a chemical produced by trees that aims to ward off disease, unwanted bugs, and so on. When humans come in contact with this chemical, it can boost our immune system and be used as a preventative treatment. 

​If you partake, let me know how you get on!

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Live Q&A on September 7th

31/8/2020

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JOIN ME
Instagram Live Q&A Session

​Monday, September 7th, 2020
6:00pm London / 1:00pm EST
@AshleyStuartArt
Join In

Bring your questions, comments, or simply listen in while I give insight to my process, my next steps, and more.

If you can't join on Monday and wanted to, you can still send me an email and I'll give my best response.
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Create a Virtual Exhibition for Your Artwork

28/8/2020

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Collectors will have the chance to browse the Just Beyond collection in a beautiful and modern virtual exhibition space. By using a computer mouse or keyboard arrows, one can "walk" through the space and view the artwork on the walls. 
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Creating this space was incredibly easy. After hatching the idea to digitally showcase my work in more than just a scrolling gallery page, a simple Google search and follow-on research led me to ArtSteps. This site is an incredible interface that offers templated spaces or a building and design option to customize your space.
I'll be reshooting my artwork this weekend (morning light has beens superb lately) and get my art into the virtual gallery in time for the Collectors-only pre-launch on September 4th. I'm considering one wing for the framed originals and one wing for giclée prints.

​If you build an exhibition, send me the link as I never turn down a gallery visit.
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Collection Work is Underway

15/8/2020

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The shop is closed as I focus all of my energies into preparing the Just Beyond collection. The shop will re-open on September 4th for The Collectors community only and September 6th for the public. If you would like to be added to the invitation-only private viewing of the latest collection, join The Collector community.
Add Your Name to the Invitation
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The Collector

22/7/2020

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The Collector is my newsletter connecting a community of people that all have one thing in common: an appreciation of art. You'll be part of exciting conversations, see glimpses of works in progress, hear first-hand of new products and studio news, and ultimately, a chance to really connect with me and my artwork. As a token of my appreciation for your subscription, I'm also offering 10% off the first order to those who join. So will you join?
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  • About
  • Art
    • Collage
    • Illustration
    • Landscapes
  • Design
  • Fabrics
  • Sketchbook