Sold this work "Suberdiving Emu" today. Thanks Caro and Dave.

I was resident photographer for the RAS Artist of the Year opening and what a great day it was at Art at Linden Gate. Julie Fenton was overall winner with Packing Room Prize to to John North and commendations to Anne Saglietti, Kay Tobin and Yvonne de Valle.

I have been struggling with motivation for a long time. One of my resolutions for 2014 was to write an art related blog regularly. At the beginning of the year, I just couldn't find the right words to say, ones that I thought people would be interested in. I am slowly getting momentum now and even if some blogs are pretty short I am happy to at least have posted something. 

I had previously believed that I was undisciplined, slack and many other unfavorable words I threw at myself in frustration after avoiding my art. Now I really love creating but I have for some reason I had put a mental block on it. 

When I thought about making art I had a gazillion ideas of what to do and felt really motivated to try them. That was until I actually had the time set aside to go through with all my ideas. I thought that was because I was slack, a bad artist. Well the other day I was watching the tenth (not actuate but you get the idea) positive, heart warming, motivating video on Facebook. I thought they would cure me of my inertia watching them. Well several clips later I was no closer to actually creating than I was before I watched them. One stood out though, it was about our interpretation of stress. It says that how you think 
and how you act can transform your experience of stress.

http://www.upworthy.com/a-whole-new-way-to-think-about-stress-that-changes-everything-weve-been-taught-2?c=ufb1

This made me think, I can apply this to any situation and transform my life if I choose to. If I think positively about something, it can and will have a positive impact on the event as can a negative thought. So while making some new art I came the realisation 
that this time I “wasted” looking for motivation was in fact not wasted if I choose to see it that way. I could view it as research, life experience or whatever, as as long as I saw it in a positive way. Then I would feel better about my use of time use it more effectively
because I was no longer plagued by the guilt of not creating. 

So I have decided to view it that way and I am now feeling so much happier. This is not to say I won't and haven't had bad days since this realisation, but I feel better about it all and about me. 

I need to remind myself it's OK to take your time to do it your way, to give yourself a break because it all contributes to the person you are and hopefully that person will be an amazingly successful artist doing what she loves. If that doesn't eventuate well let her be one creative individual, happy with her lot in life. 

The most important thing is to always have time to create because even on a small level it feels great. You don't have to be an "artist" to enjoy the act of creation, think of parenthood, making a special dinner for someone, writing a speech, putting together a rocking outfit for a great night out, making an inspiration board, designing your house, throwing fruit into a savory salad (my mum chucks whatever is in the fridge into hers and she it the salad queen). Nothing is too small or too big! Just create because it feels so #### ing amazing and you are the master of your world when you feel like that.

I am going to the Big Hearted Business Conference this weekend and I am so excited. There are going to be so many amazing creatives there from beginners to professionals and I can't wait to meet them all and get some great advice for my business.

I have been working hard on new commissions recently and it has given me such a buzz that I cant wait share this with others in similar situations and learn from the best.

I sold these two paintings the other day at Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery in Aireys Inlet. YEAH! It feels more and more like this is my full time profession/job.

It was a bit disappointing not to sell anything at the Eastland/Ringwood Art Society Exhibition last week. But I am not letting that get me down. I am spending the day today organising my studio (it is beyond messy) and working on my commissions.

On the plus side I did get a commission from the exhibition so it wasn't all bad.

Each day is a fresh start and the art business workshop I attended on the weekend has inspired me to get moving, get organised and get creating. Better get off the computer, boy is that a time sucker. I hope you all have a lovely day and manage a little time for you.

I am exhibiting art at Eastland Shopping Centre as part of the Ringwood Art Society. The show runs from 24th - 30th March (near Watch Works). Below are some of the works, obviously they look better in person.

Just found this Aussie based artist online. Her work is beautiful, bright and lyrical. I love her use of colour and line. Work like this makes me want to get back into the studio but instead I am going to pull out some paper and draw while watching the T.V. 

http://tsktsk.com.au/

I am having a studio clearance of my art to make way for new work in 2014. Work will be heavily discounted and some cost price. If you are interested in any please contact me via email or mobile. e) janickej77@gmail.com m) 0402116003
NB the cost of the work is in Australian dollars and does not include postage

I have some new art work. They are ORIGINAL acrylic and enamel paint with oil pastel and pencil on paper. Great for Christmas presents. They will fit standard sized frames but I can also frame them.

Art work alone $60
Art work with matt/mount board and foam core back $75
Framed art work $105

Abstract with Birds 1 
(6" x 8" or 178 mm x 127 mm frame - inside measurement)
Abstract with Bird 2 
( 7" x 5" or 178 mm x 127 mm- inside measurement)