Firstly as we take this time between Christmas and New Year to reflect , let me say thankyou. I am so grateful to you all for taking the time to look at my work, and to comment so nicely on it. I work in isolation and when I send my pieces off into the world I have no idea how they will be received, it is wonderful that they are received so well and it brings me joy daily to see your responses.
I began the year , like we all did , heading into lockdown. I was determined to keep painting and keep writing a blog every week. It felt like a small thing I could do to help us all feel a little more connected.
I found a new way to paint seas, and this has given me so much joy this year.
I continued to work at improving my watercolours , and far from putting things on hold, I like to think this past year has been a time to put things in perspective. I was grateful to be able to contribute to the David Shepherd pangolin campaign , and this piece sold , making much needed funds for their conservation work.
I carried on painting my swimming ladies and mermaids and brought out new cards in response to demand.
More mugs came out and were sold for the RSPB, and watch this space there may well be new designs in the new year. I keep trying new things and am so thrilled when they are well received.
. Another high was receiving the news I had made it into the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year , I am always nervous I might not get in and so thrilled if I do.
New commissions tested my abilities. I don't have the energy I once did, and my fingers can get very painful, that along with chronic fatigue limits my time in the studio However I think by slowing down it has made me pause and think more, and in turn I hope this has improved my work
It was so wonderful to be able to go to Cornwall and visit places that fill my soul with joy
Then summer turned to autumn, I have loved painting so many favourite things this year, from hedgehogs to flowers , but bees hold a special place in my heart. So I was thrilled when this little fella made a lot of money for wildlife conservation
Then moving onto Christmas and getting things ready for a busy time of year.
So whatever happens next....please don't as they say 'put your life on hold' , we don't do that, we live through difficult times, this is our life. Do things that make life easier, keep in touch with people and take joy in the natural world
Happy New Year
16 comments
I’m so grateful to have found your work. You are so talented and I love your original approach to everything you do, but I think I love the way you paint hares more than anything. I also love your blog entries with such mindful and beautiful words. Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you. Long may you continue to do what you love.
Congratulations, once again, Rachel, for your achievements in the conservation of wild life this year, so great!
You thank us, and we thank you:
I love all of your work, and I’m so grateful I’ve learned so much this year from your beautiful talent. I’m neither lying nor exaggerating when I state that seeing your work this year was an epiphany for me! (It were the beach ladies I first saw)
I was reflecting my year 2021 these days, as well, and I thought of the things that helped me through lockdown, social isolation etc. and found it very quickly: painting! I was lucky enough that one of my painting courses took place and I had the chance to participate in three different plein air painting events in spring, summer, and fall – these made my year! And you’ve been my INSPIRATION! Thank you!
Thank you. I live in Australia so I’m watching you and your beautiful work from afar. I enjoy seeing your paintings of all sorts but I do love the swimming ladies and the bees best. Thank you for your generosity. Best wishes for 2022. 🙂🍾🥂
Your work is beautiful and inspirational
Happy new year
Thank you for bringing such joy with your paintings this year. I have really loved looking at your work this year. I’ve missed the UK during this pandemic and your pictures remind me of so much I love. Your dancing puffins brought great joy to my mum. She has been missing her birdwatching in the confinement. My best friend, an avid bee keeper loved her tiny bee too. I look forward to following your work in 2022