Nashua Art in the Park

Tomorrow begins the annual Art in the Park event, held at the Alexander Park in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

It will feature 55 artists from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the Free State, and from north of our borders.

This is our country’s largest outdoor art selling exhibition and consists of a variety of styles from: sketches, detailed paintings, abstract paintings to unique creations. You may want to add some quirky, unique and interesting art to your collection or richly decorate your home.

What a wonderful way to spend a wintery morning, or afternoon. I like the sound of crunching leaves as I walk around and being delighted by the sights & sounds. Last year they had a jazz band playing, nice, and it’s inspiring!

For all you artists out there wishing to display your work next year, the cost for this years exhibit was R1000 & 15% commission of work sold (plus other rules & regulations). If you have a big enough collection it may be worth your while, whether you sell a lot or just for exposure and fun. I need to paint a whole lot more!

Here is a glimpse at the previous exhibit:











I am not associated with the Nashua Art in the Park event. This article is my own individual opinion. Hope you enjoy!

Other info about the event:
The entrance fee is R10 and children under 12 are allowed in for free. There will be catering.

Physical Address
177 Chief Albert Luthuli Street
Pietermaritzburg
3200

The exhibition is open from 10 am to 8 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday 9am to 4pm.  Contact Pietermaritzburg Tourism on +27 (0)33 345-1348

Be Creative Again

When I started this blog it was all about "The little things that make a GREAT LIFE!" and would be highlighting anything positive and good in a day, but this has changed slightly - to being more creative.

At the beginning of this year I decided that I want to be more creative again, practice & be active about it.

In Jan I entered an art exhibition where my painting sold! Yay! It was a wonderful experience. I’ve sold work before but they were mostly commissions & they just don’t feel like they’re really you.
So having your own artwork up where everyone can see it, enjoy it, criticise it, love it & possibly buy it is an extraordinary feeling.

The opening night had such a buzz and was full of artsys, artists & anyone just wanting to see something beautiful, quirky and unusual.

I tried a different painting style - Pop Art. Realistic & very detailed was my favourite style since I was little and first ever picked up a pencil. I love little birds and this was the inspiration for my painting below.

I entered a t-shirt design competition for a big client in SA, Vodacom, hosted by Springleap. The brief was:

"Connectivity is power. Imagine living a life without chatting to your mates, without SMS and email, without Facebook and Twitter, without all those things that you take for granted. By connecting you in all of these ways and more, Vodacom gives you power.

Your brief for this competition is to express this visually – encapsulate our guiding principle where ‘connectivity is power’ into a design that captures the imagination.

The idea is that it’s about you and not Vodacom, so no logos and nothing corporate. We’re giving the power to you on this one (ha) so go mad."

I was excited to enter and after 5 sketches I had the one I wanted to enter.

Since I had not dabbled in digital art before I learned how to vectorise my sketch, with the help of my brother. He gave me a Fireworks Trial and the basic guidelines to accomplish what I needed to do.

This is a different form of art for me and I am thoroughly enjoying it, I'm so glad I finally tried digital art. Unfortunately my design was not chosen but at least I tried & will keep trying.

I read a great quote, which I love…
“Nobody should congratulate you on your success more sincerely, generously & regularly than yourself.”

This year & onwards is all about being creative & doing what I am naturally good at. I don't mean it in an arrogant way but let's face the music & be who we are & be happy about it! I believe you will succeed at what you are good at, if you focus on it & practice. Take a look at Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Oprah & Tim Burton to name but a few, they started out by doing what they love & are good at and continued to grow, still.

I hope you will be inspired to be creative too.

Essential Aspect of Creativity is...

This is so true! Sometimes as an artist I am afraid to start but I find it easier when I have a vision, then I'll fly through it...

I got a call from the KZNSA art gallery about an interested buyer!!

Yay, let's see...

Update: My painting sold!

All things sweet - will cotton

I found out about Will Cotton's amazing art after watching the making of the Katy Perry's California Gurl's music video.

I love his fantastical sweet & delectable subjects. The detail in his artwork is immaculate. It looks so real. I don't know how he managed to keep his cakes & treats in tact while he painted.

Shongweni Farmers Market: International Flavours on 16 June

For all you foodie lovers there is an International Food Fair happening on the 16^th June at the Shongweni Farmers Market.

I’m sure this will be a great place to be :)

See web page here

Fresh Clean Laundry

Love the smell of fresh clean laundry.