Sketchbook - Archives of Creative Process | Ashley Stuart - ASHLEY STUART

Art at Home

22/4/2021

I'm delighted to share pictures of a piece of the Norwegian cottage in its lovely Austin, TX home.

If you have any pictures you'd like to send, please email [email protected]. Ensure there are no personal items in the photos as these may be shared on my social media and website. Thank you!

Color Theory in Painting

7/4/2021

My style of painting in 2020 evolved from using pre-mixed palette to using a layering of primary colors (red, yellow, blue hues). I start with a blue for the shades and shape definition, adding then the lightest highlights with a yellow hue, and then finish with the mid-tone of (most-likely a watery) red.

I'm often torn at the beginning of each color application as I am drawn to monochrome paintings and the levels of tones and shades that can be achieved. I find monochrome calming and thoughtful.

But then taking the same painting and adding a red and yellow hue overtop, look at the depth and excitement that happen! This has more energy and thought rapidity.

Blue monochrome painting of an English landscape.

First step in color application.

Original watercolor painting of an English landscape by Ashley Stuart

Finished painting with the red and yellow hues overlaid on the English landscape.

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

It is coming up on a year since opening my art shop. 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. This piece will continue its story in a new space and my heart is full.

2020 Commission

28/12/2020

Initial Sketch

Final Painting

I'm pleased to reveal the final 2020 commission piece. It was incredibly difficult to keep this commission a secret for so long. This 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

Block out applied to the windows and door

Final layers being applied

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."

Restart Peterborough

4/12/2020

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. The exhibition is featuring a local art, but also inspires hope and joy as we move into the winter season and a vaccination plan in the UK.

I hope you visit and enjoy the art, the Georgian architecture, the Christmas decor, and a cuppa at the café.

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.

Peterborough City Gallery Art Exhibition Entry

27/10/2020

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.

Two Landscapes

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!

Peterborough Museum City Gallery

12/10/2020

Today I'm prepping watercolor paper for three new pieces. These pieces will be exhibiting at the Peterborough Museum City Gallery. The exhibition will feature Peterborough-based artists. I'm thrilled at this opportunity after such a long period of uncertainty and the closure of many spaces during lockdown. Exhibition dates will be released soon.

Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery
Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF
01733 864663

Love from a Collector

6/10/2020

I received a lovely note yesterday and it absolutely made me joyous. The connections I make with each Collector is very important to me. Over the last few months, people from all over have written me an email and it really warms my heart. A huge thank you to all of you!

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!

"Red Door Cottage" giclée print

From the Dayton Daily News

7/9/2020

Artist Ashley Stuart in the Dayton Daily News

Well, I surprised my sister when she opened Life+ section of the Dayton Daily News! 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.

"In Your Area" Newsroom

7/9/2020

In Your Area Newsroom photo

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

The "Peterborough Telegraph"

7/9/2020

Feeling the love from Peterborough Telegraph! Thanks for sharing news about the launch.

The "Just Beyond" Pre-Launch Has Started

4/9/2020

Excitement and nerves are running high as the Just Beyond collection nears the launch date. The pre-launch has started and Collectors have been browsing the shop and virtual exhibition since this morning. The press releases are out and being published.

So much painting. So much learning. So much planning. And above all else, so much fun. Pre-covid, I was a stay-at-home mother of two looking for ways to get back into career-life. Now I've launched an online shop showcasing my previously-private works of art. I have a wonderful network that has pushed me through to success. So to all of you, thank you. And to myself, THANK YOU.

If you would like to join the fun, sign up for The Collector where you will instantly receive your early access code plus 10% off.