Category: Inspiration

Creating a Pinterest

7/3/2022

Pinterest has been a wonderful place for me to share and find inspiration. Recently I've been adding more of my own work to Pinterest. I'm excited to share my inspiration boards with you all as I've been collecting and pinning for a long time now.

Visit Boards

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Paper Weaving

28/8/2021

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"Flock", finished paper weaving

I've been taking an interest in using magazine slices and weaving them into new art. Reusing used materials is appealing to me—breathing new life into something old can be beautiful.

Weaving in process

"Life of the Cat", finished paper weaving

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Color Theory in Painting

7/4/2021

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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.

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Primary Color Application

21/9/2020

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Much like a screen print process, I have experimented using Ultramarine, Lemon Yellow, and Cadmium Red. I layer in that order on the paper. The secondary and tertiary colors created were very fun to uncover. I focus on the tints and shades of my focus, leaving white space as the main highlights. Overall, I think I prefer the monotone blue best, but the end result is also beautiful.

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Forest Bathing: Self-Care as Launch Nears

1/9/2020

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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. But recently I learned that this act has a name and science behind it. It is called Forest Bathing.

Here are some tips:

Leave your device behind
Slow your pace
Slow breathing
Consider what you see, hear, and smell
Touch the leaves or bark as you pass

According to Forestry England, Forest Bathing 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.

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Creating a Pinterest

Paper Weaving

Color Theory in Painting

Primary Color Application

Forest Bathing: Self-Care as Launch Nears

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