A–B–C: Art, Books & Creativity: Painting Through the Mess

If you’ve ever thought, “Ugh, everything I make today is awful,” this one’s for you.

This is the first in a new series I’m calling A–B–C: Art, Books & Creativity – one artwork, one book, one creative spark.

Think of it as a tiny creative reset: something small to look at, something short to read, and a gentle nudge back to the page, even on the messy days.

A – Art

Image: my “Arboretum” plein air watercolour painting

This landscape was painted during the Capital Plein Air Festival in Canberra – and ended up winning first prize in the non‑professional watercolour category.

Across the week, I painted 25+ watercolours, met so many friendly, ridiculously talented artists, explored parts of Canberra I’d never seen before, and basically got to paint my heart out. It was one of those classic creative rollercoasters:

• Monday – Cuppacumbalong
  Workshop with the amazing Julie Simmons. I loved her philosophy and approach to watercolour, learned a lot… and made a LOT of muddy, overworked mess. Ugh.
  

• Tuesday – Government House
  Surrounded by autumn trees and incredible artists. Tried not to, but impostor syndrome definitely crept in.
  

• Wednesday – Cotter & Casuarina Sands
  Found a quiet, shady spot by the river, painted two larger works and finally found my flow. Still a bit overworked, but definitely making progress.
  

• Thursday – Weston Park
  More autumn trees reflecting on Lake Burley Griffin. I started feeling more at ease. Made some art I liked, some I didn’t, and some I ruined right at the end… but overall, a good day.

  

• Friday – National Arboretum Canberra
  After an inspiring Q&A with the tutors and a demo from Warwick Fuller (I first saw his work at the Lost Bear Gallery in the Blue Mountains years ago – wow!), I decided to paint just one smaller watercolour of the same view. Then I went to watch Chan Dissanayake’s demo and immediately thought, “Oh no, I’ve done EVERYTHING wrong!”

• Saturday – National Triangle
  Watched a Scott Gellatly painting demo (the perfect day to just absorb, because by then I was exhausted!).

• Sunday – Kingston Foreshore
  Around 170 of us took part in a final Quick Draw competition, followed by awards and presentations. Hooray!

On Friday night, I submitted four pieces to the exhibition, including two for the non‑professional plein air watercolour prize. I wasn’t even going to enter my Arboretum painting until a lovely lady insisted I swap it in for another one I’d entered. It ended up winning first prize – judged by Warwick Fuller, of all people.

Out of the 25‑ish paintings, I made a lot of “meh” and “mud”. But I also learned a lot, met so many lovely artists, and I’m now planning to join a regular plein air meet‑up to keep the momentum going.

So if you’ve ever had a day where you think, “Ugh, everything I make today is awful,” you’re not alone. Sometimes you have to paint through a whole pile of mess to get to the magic.

B – Book Look

“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” The Dot – Peter H. Reynolds
Booktopia

Vashti is convinced she can’t draw until her teacher encourages her to start with a single dot. That tiny mark becomes the beginning of a whole creative journey. I love this book as a reminder to stop worrying about “good” or “bad” art and simply begin.

C – Creative Spark

A quote from Chan Dissanayake during his watercolour demo that really stuck with me:

“Let your drawing do 60% of the work, the watercolour do 30%, and allow 10% for the viewer to fill in.”

Try this: pick one tree and draw it three times – once as simple shapes, once using only line, and once focusing just on colour.

Notice which version feels most “you”.

What else am I working on?

I’ve just taken part in Karen Abend’s Sketchbook Revival challenge, and I’ve had so many lovely emails from people saying how much they enjoyed painting the bear and duck characters.

Thank you for taking part – and a big welcome if you’re new to my community.

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