I've joined up with artists around the world and one very special Esté MacLeod for the #coloricombo 2022 weekly color palette prompts. I did not sign up in time for Week #1, but here are the sketches from Week #2.

Small break from my watercolors to experiment with acrylic and line art. Lines fascinate me and always have. They create texture, depth, definition, mood with one organic stroke of my hand, one meditation of my brain saying, "A line here. A line here. A line here." The end result struck me as it's a kind of self-portrait. I'm excited to explore this.

10 King's Bench Walk touched base with me regarding a brand refresh. A well-known law firm in London, some nod to tradition must be kept however the client wanted a more modern approach to the type as well as showing an integration of their core areas. I wanted the logo to convey an easy-to-approach, professional team that can easily adapt to any media placed. The palette was created to give a sub-brand to each core area.

Pictures from Collectors are an absolute delight. Each piece is thoughtfully placed where it can be enjoyed throughout the day. The Norwegian cottage now lives in a lovely home in Austin, TX. 

​If you have any pictures you'd like to send, please email hello@ashley-stuart.com. Ensure there are no personal items in the photos as these may be shared on my social media and website. Thank you!

A start-up in Chicago wrote me regarding a new logo, typography, and color palette for their consultancy business. Working with a strong type for the mark was key, especially with the simplicity of sans serif and slab serif lines. The three logos above were the initial concepts; the chosen concept is below.

The latest commission with the dearest birdbath in the garden. Really love the control and outcome of the washes for each of the tree spaces. The house is made of brick and stone, but I didn't want to add too many details as it would take away from the whole piece. Looks like a lovely and inviting home! Can't wait to see my client's faces when they see it in person.

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. 

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 daughter 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 daughters? She fell and bruised her cheek on a little chair. I hit send powerfully.

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.

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!

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!