Sketchbook of Artist Ashley Stuart - ASHLEY STUART

Thank You Note

5/4/2021

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

Reflecting Motherhood in a Resume

7/1/2021

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.

The Final 2020 Commission Reveal

28/12/2020

Initial quick sketch of the building

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!

Detail of the doorway

Sketches for the building sign lettering

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.

Block out applied to the windows and door

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.

Special Sales and First Dibs

24/12/2020

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!

Two Landscapes, Different Times

21/10/2020

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!!

Fabrics, Decor + Wallpaper on Spoonflower.com

15/9/2020

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

Studio: Wash Exploration

14/9/2020

From the Dayton Daily News

7/9/2020

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!

From the In Your Area Newsroom

7/9/2020

High-fives all-around. The news is apparently out... so exciting! Hopefully this draws more people to find the beauty just outside their doorstep.

In Your Area Newsroom photo

Forest Bathing: Self-Care as Launch Nears

1/9/2020

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!

Live Q&A on September 7th

31/8/2020

JOIN ME
Instagram Live Q&A Session
Monday, September 7th, 2020
6:00pm London / 1:00pm EST
@AshleyStuartArt

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.

Create a Virtual Exhibition for Your Artwork

28/8/2020

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.

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.

Collection Work is Underway

15/8/2020

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

The Collector

22/7/2020

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?

We are RADIKL

22/7/2020

Underwater Sunrise, 2020

Recently I joined We Are Radikl, a group that fiercely supports female founders and it has been awesome. I've received guidance (already!) for some business practices and it is really lovely to hear of other women's achievements, struggles, and practices. And one of the best bits, I've met another artist who has graciously offered her advice which is worth more than anything. A huge thank you.

I'm so excited to see where this takes me and my art. Support in anything you try to conquer is required so if you're trying to start something new, dig your heels in and find some help. No shame, only growth.