Just taking a look back.

Hello dear readers, did you think I'd done a runner?! I know Lucy at Attic 24 is cutting back on her blog posts, and I imagine that anyone who has a blog sometimes feels weary, and can identify with Lucy. I know I come across as chipper and energetic all the time, but sometimes that's me ignoring that I'm feeling tired, and not wanting to admit it to you, dear readers. There is such a thing as "blogging happiness", something inwhich, as you sit down to do your blog post, the brain clicks, and zap, happy, happy. The moment I type in that word "hello", that's me off on my happy hour. I may have not been feeling up to blogging a moment prior to that happy hello, but that magic hello deals with any weariness. Plus, all your comments keep me going on this blogging journey. I love to receive comments, just love it!

It's become a big thing for me when I miss a days blogging, I always feel like I've failed somehow. But yesterday I just didn't feel like putting up a post.....................

Anyway, on to the subject of today's blog. My little watercolour paintings. The number of pictures for sale in my etsy shop is dwindling. I've gradually been selling them, which is very nice, I have to say. And last Thursday I sold another one to Lorraine, which has been packaged up and sent off, hope she's pleased with it.

This is the painting Lorraine bought , in the photo above. It always feels a bit strange parting with them, I don't know why, just does.

And while I'm on the subject of my painting, do you remember me lamenting how I'd lost two paintings? I went on about it in this post. A couple of weeks ago, I found them in a pad of paper. I'd slipped them in to keep them safe, when I was moving my studio into the house. When I found them, just by chance, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was happy to find them, on the other, I was extremely annoyed with myself for having put them in such a silly, non-sensical place.

So, selling another picture, and finding the lost pictures, got me thinking, and wondering. How many pictures have I sold on etsy and privately? What have I painted? Well, numbers, (unless it's about how much money I have to spend on yarn or whatever), don't interest me, so I'm not sure how many I've sold. And as for what I've painted, well, there's only one way of finding out, and that's to rummage through old photos of paintings, and see what I've been up to.

Would you like to join me in having a look?

These aren't all the paintings I've done, I just had a look in my etsy shop, in the sold section, but I can't find the photos to add to the mosaic. I haven't done any more of these little paintings for a while now, crochet and other things took over, but I would like to do some more, I enjoy painting them, it's something fresh, away from work. I'm my own master when I do these paintings.

Occasionally, when someone receives a painting they've bought from me, I get a lovely message from them. I think there's one person who's messages charmed me completely. When I asked Nessy if she'd mind me sharing her reaction with you, she was happy for me to go ahead. These are the two e-mails she sent me, which bowled me over. 

Hello Vanessa
Your painting arrived today and thank you so much for sending it special delivery so it wouldn't get delayed by the postal strike. Mr. Postie and me had a good old chat about recent strike behaviour which we both find a bit silly. And annoying.
Anyway.
 I have been squealing with excitement all day and am yet to unwrap it as the
anticipation of the spotty jacket is part of the thrill. As a result I am still admiring it sitting patiently on the desk over wine, spooks and the raised eyebrows of my husband.
 Wine-ramblings aside. I have attached my favourite shot (it has travelled to the fuschia pink tea set unit, the kitchen table and back to the living room today). 
 Will no doubt darken your email inbox once I have opened it!
 many thanks
 Nessy
   
And then, a few days later.

Hello, hello, hello.
A busy weekend punctuated with peeks at my lovely new painting! The unwrapping had to happen in stages. First glimpse in the evening as the house was finally calm and tidy. Then repacked so I could enjoy the big reveal the next day in good morning light, before the clamour of the breakfast rush began.
 I love it.
 The irridescence on the flowers leaves almost look like they have been touched up for show by a make up artist. I love the way the depth of the watercolours contrast with the gentle, quiet emulsion blue.
 This new gem is going to be much admired in the dining room. I was thinking of a simple white frame if you approve. Photographs of Spotty will follow once she is nestled in her new home.
Hope you and yours  are doing well.
Nessy   

Nessy even sent me a photo of the package, still wrapped, waiting to be opened, but I can't seem to transport it from the e-mail to here, which is a shame. 

This is the painting Nessy bought.

Are they not wonderful, her messages?

I must, must, must do some more paintings!

Well, I'm off to do some crochet now (!). Ta-ra and take care. Love Vanessa xxx

Comments

[gill]

hi vanessa
your's is the first blog i turn to each evening - your lovely chatty blog always cheers me up no matter what sort of day i've had. i love your colour choices and your easy manner with us all, your faithful followers!!
much love
gillxx

[Siobhan]

Oh wow! - I haven't even finished your post; but I had to tell you straight away that I got as far as your painting that Lorraine has bought. Then I thought oh my goodness what a beautiful picture, lucky lucky Lorraine! That is simply to die for, what a gorgeous painting - I would so love to have it but I bet all your lovely pictures will be appreciated wherever they go. Why wouldn't you feel funny at giving them up? - if I was responsible for creating such loveliness, it would have to be prised away from me. And there is more too - as I quickly scrolled down so I could write this I saw more - lots more! So now I'm going to go back and look properly at those lovely paintings (and read your post properly!) It's such a treat to be shown such deliciously lovely things. Thank you!

[sue]

I enjoyed seeing your paintings some of which I haven't seen before. I have been dropping very large hints at home about the possibility of one of your paintings finding it's way to my house for my birthday.Fingers crossed.

Sue xxx

[Nina - Tabiboo]

'Wow' all such wonderful paintings. This is the first time seeing for me so a most definite 'wow'

Enjoy your crocheting,

Nina x

[Geek Knitter]

Putting things in a safe place... it sounds like such a good thing at the time, and next thing you know you can't find the Christmas gifts until March!

[Marion L]

Absolutely love your paintings. Radiant and yet so delicate. I can understand why you'd be sad to part with them. My husband paints and I mourn every one he sells! He very kindly lets me keep a lot too so I can't complain really. Love your blog, and hope it doesn't become a chore for you.

[trudette]

I love your paintings , such lovely soft colors and the fresh feel they have , simply beautiful.
I know the feeling of 'having to part with one's art' , and sometimes I just decide not to sell something:)
I really enjoy visting your Blog.

[Heather]

One day, when I am once more in employment, I am going to buy one of your paintings, because they are beautiful and I heart them :)
xxx

[Charlene]

Your blog is the first place I head when I am enjoying my morning cup of coffee... it always puts me into a great frame of mind as you are always so positive.

Thankyou.

Thankyou also for sharing your paitingings... I would love to own one... maybe next year when things settle from our move. Have a great day :)

[TheMadHouse]

How creative and very clever to be able to paint and everything else that you do.

[Lyn]

gorgeous! they are so lovely, I love them, yes you must do more!
Love
Lyn
xxx

[Isabelle]

Hi Vanessa!! Have missed reading you and I hope you feel a little less tired. Every new post from you is like a gift, please don't feel bad for taking some time off!
Your paintings are fantastic, and I can only imagine the pleasure you must get from achieving such beautiful work.
Isabelle xx

[frances]

Hello Vanessa,

It's been a while since I have been to visit, and I am so glad to have chosen tonight. What a wonderful post. It so resonates with thoughts I often have.

I am now a few days into two weeks of vacation time, off from managing the shop. This gives me time to return to the version of myself that has to hide when I am on duty at the shop.

I have been crocheting, knitting, and spending happy hours doing this year's watercolor painting of my Christmas cards. Each one is a one off, and becomes a gift to the friend to whom it's sent. I began this custom quite a few years back, and now really look forward to doing the cards.

Yes, they do take time, and cannot be rushed. They remind me of other times in my life when I had more time to do other painting. They make me wonder when I might again have such amounts of time.

They remind me of departed friends, and cheer me with the recognition of new friends.

I don't seem to have time to blog regularly, yet also enjoy the entire idea of that sort of diary.

See how you've got me rambling I very much like your paintings ... we are not too far apart in our subject matter.

xo

[mlle paradis]

Vanessa your paintings are drop dead gorgeous. No really and truly. And that's all I'm going to say because Nessy said it very well. I'm just going to organize to get on your list/shop so that I might have a shot at buying one of your paintings by Christmas (or the next six months). But paint for the joy of it, not for our panting after them.

[Petit Filoux]

Whao that is A LOT of paintings!!!! And so pretty too, I wish I could paint like that!!! You are obviously very talented!!! x

[Anna-Karin, Sweden]

Wow! Your paintings are stunning! Love 'em!!
Hugs from Anna-Karin xxx

[Penny]

How lovely to see all your paintings together like that, and all with your inimitable sense of colour. I look forward to reading your blog every day but know what you mean about the blogging tiredness. Just off to wind some wool (you'll see why when you visit Planet Penny!) big licks from Higgins, love Penny xxx

[Pipany]

Such beautiful work vanessa. I particularly love the ones with berries in which I think you capture so perfectly. You are truly very talented xx

[The Curious Cat]

Vanessa- the paintings are gorgeous and collected together like that you can really see your talent...you've rather inspired me to get painting again...just need to find some time! Will pop along and have a further snoop in your shop.

Also, blogging-wise...I'm trying to cut back a little. I want to comment and write all the time but it is difficult to keep it up all the time. You can wear yourself a little thin sometimes...still it is great receiving comments and being a part of the big old blogosphere. It is very rewarding and inspiring! xxx

[Alison]

I can't really add to all the other comments as they say it all. However definitely keep painting and pleease keep blogging, yours is the one I go to first each day.
Many many thanks for your continuing generosity.
Ali

[Lynne]

I always find your blog colourful and uplifting.... a treat! Like your paintings. How wonderful to be able to paint like that. I love the colours you use.

[paintdropskeepfalling.wordpress.com]

I'm in awe!! I can only dream of painting that much stuff and only hope to be half as good!!!
They are beautiful. I love the simplicity of your still life sets and the colour palatte. Beautiful.

[Nessy]

A mosaic of mini blooms. A riot of regal colourings. My three purple friends are still cooing nicely in their green spotty cup and I am just too delighted to be making a guest appearance on your blog!(I will be sure to mention it to them on my way to bed tonight, as they are currently cheering me on at my desk).
Nessy
Oh, and please, please do let me know if you would ever consider putting on a painting workshop/masterclass...

[Erica K]

So sweet... it's nice to know you've made someone happy, isn't it?

I love your mosaic...so pretty.

[Marilene Facina finhana]

Eu acho suas ilustrações simplesmente maravilhosas. Gostaria até de ter algumas. Voce desenha as flores com maestria. Parabéns. Sou fã do seu blog também.

[Marilene Facina finhana]

I really like your paintings.
I wanted to know if I can use some of the pictures of your illustrations in my blog (obviously giving you all the credit for the work) just because I find them wonderful.
Congratulations on the beautiful work.

Marilene
http://www.simplesmentefascinante.blogspot.com/

[anne@andamento]

Lovely paintings!

By the way, I've just bought a book illustrated by you for my daughter, it's lovely too.

[Bolmara De Marco]

Hello, my name is Bolmara and I´m from Argentina . I enjoy your blog so much and it inspire my heart. I learn so much too. Thanks from Buenos Aires , Bolmara De Marco