Georiga O'Keeffe once said   “To create one’s own world takes courage." I have to admit that every time I make new piece of artwork I go through a mix of emotions including self doubt (annoying my partner with endless questions about the piece), normally anger at some point (including throwing a paintbrush at the canvas before- as my mentor said at this time "Just make sure if you throw the brush, it hits your work and makes it better not worse), I even get some happiness when things start to go right (which is the normal point I head on the internet to share my happiness). A lot  of the time I have a lot of doubt about what I am creating and having the courage to put it on social media or into competitions is hard. However, the feeling when you are accepted or someone 'likes' or comments on that image make all of those emotions about creating the piece worth it. Especially when you are trying to do this work late at night after doing a full day at you 'proper job' (which to be fair is pretty fun for a real job ;-)  ). Today it feels like the courage put in to creating and showing my new work was really worth it as it is up today in The Qube, New Horizon's exhibition. After having a preview the other day I have to say I am proud to be shown with such talented artists at the gallery. I am really looking forward to the Opening of the exhibition this evening and hopefully will be able to get a few photos to share with you there. For now I will leave you with some photos of the work (photographed before it was framed). And a little reminder that you can find me on facebook on: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseSwantonTextiles/ and Instagram on: ​https://www.instagram.com/louiseswanton/

Today is the big reveal. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram then you will have seen some of my pieces in the process of being made. Well today they are all completed and ready to go to the framers! I am really excited about my more sculptural pieces this time as I have been looking into exploring life more closely, with some of my work being through the microscope.
So what do you think? Opinions always welcome :-)  Hope you have all been enjoying the sunshine (not as much the rain)

Hope you are all having a great bank holiday weekend. Just a quick update on current work and general arty things. This weekend I had a go at some batik (which I haven't done properly for many years). I realised I am not too fond of trying to create trees for this technique, but really enjoyed my day out. I am going to be working into my left hand image as soon as I clear space to get my sewing machine back out. Such an exciting technique with such surprising effects! Must have another go soon!
Underneath the batik images are some images from of some of my newer knitting work using wire. I would love any feedback about my work always. I will be updating here with some more new pieces and some photographs of these when they get framed.

I have been a little busy recently and haven't had much chance to complete any artwork. However I am feeling very inspired after a trip to Paris, with the fabulous architecture, galleries, artwork and beautiful streets. For now I leave you with a few photos. But next week I will be sharing some new work in process

Today I have had a lovely day at the Gallery life drawing, it is such a positive experience being around local artists relaxing and drawing. I've posted a drawing from a 40 minute pose sketch which I really enjoyed creating. Below is the progress I am currently making on one of my oil paintings, I feel like it is really starting to get there. Back to painting tomorrow so should have an update Sunday evening,
Hope you're all having a great weekend :-) !

I hope you all are having a fab New Year. It's been a bit quiet on my end due to being busy and rather unwell. But I've got myself back in the studio starting a new piece. Below is some photographs of the work at different points in the painting process so far. This includes sketch, initial start of painting, after about 3 hours and finally after 5hours work today. Really starting to enjoy painting this and I think it is starting to look really good. What do you think?

So it is that time of the year again where we spend time reflecting on what we have achieved and set new targets for the oncoming year. I have had an interesting year experimenting with a wide range of techniques and ideas and really starting to push my art skills. I have had a range of products available after completing some pen drawings and developing these into pattern pieces in photoshop. More things in my products section has included a new range of scarfs with different patterns and prints as well as cards with my own photography on; I have also created a new style of brooch this using free hand machine embroidery to create delicate and unique butterflies. I have used oil paints for the first time and have started to really enjoy it; I know this is a media I will be taking forward in 2017, and I will hopefully get my massive portrait completed as well!  r I am most proud this year however of my work which got into The Qube open arts competition looking at migration and the plight of the refugees risking everything to get to Britain. I felt proud to be a part of an exhibition which had such a range of inspiring artists.

Of course I have had my bad points during the year, letting myself feel defeated when I have struggled with confidence in my own artwork. I am very lucky however that in this moment I found a group of artists who not only inspired me to create again, but also made me value my own work produced. I understand the importance of being around the right people, and I know I will be spending much of next year with this group.
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So now it is time to start thinking through New Years Resolutions, it is only a day and a bit away and I like to do this early so I don’t rush. My last year’s plans didn’t quite work out as well, as even though I have completed work this year and I have had successful moments, I just did not have the time to do everything I wanted to achieve. This year I am trying to set a few achievable targets.
So:

1. Get my work into at least one exhibition during the year- and when it happens make sure to go and actually get photographs of it during the exhibition. Be Proud of the achievement.
2. Create, create, create. By the end of 2017 I am going to have at least 12 proper completed art pieces. This may not sound much, but with a full time job, one a month will be a good mission.
3. To update my blog regularly. I am very good at starting with really good intentions then accidently drifting off somehow.
4. To create more things for friends, not to sell. To enjoy creating crafty bits again and make it fun. This should then feedback into my work and make it more fun!
5. To continue to find inspiring, supportive people to surround myself with. This may be more artists or designers online or in person, going to more workshops or even meeting more people when going through my hobbies.
6. This one isn’t as much about art in a way. But I do believe a healthy mind and body is the best way to have the energy to actually create. I plan to get back on track with eating nutritious foods (as Christmas has defeated me once again) and making sure I am getting enough exercise in to keep me healthy and give me the energy needed to complete my artwork.
7. Spend more time with friends, because they are awesome.

 
Right so that is all from me for this year. I hope you have all had an amazing holidays and have a fabulous New Year.
Smiles!
Louise

Hi everyone, I hope you have all had a nice and relaxing week and are enjoying the run up the holidays. I have had a very lazy, no artwork related week with lots of shopping, seeing friends and family, horse riding, tidying and sleeping. The studio however has had a good clean today and I am starting to get ideas for my next artwork. I have found it really hard to find inspiration lately, but finding a new group of artists to chat to in the studio this year has started to boost my confidence again and is getting me thinking about new ideas to experiment with. I am looking forward to getting out with my camera after Christmas to get visuals of nature and hopefully some model shoots as well if I have the chance.Fingers crossed the weather will be nicer than today! I am wanting to depict strong people as well as the beauty of nature this year. That's as much as I will say for now. 

Right, now to the most important part of this post. I would like to say a big thank you to my followers, my likers, my sharers on all my social media platforms; For not only making me smile with your likes and comments, but also for the ongoing support which pushes me to continue to create. I hope you all have an amazing holidays with family or friends. Make sure you relax and get ready for the New Year.
Ps- Sorry this is a little early, wasn't sure if I would have enough time if not before Christmas to write my blog
Pps- The ponies also want to wish you all a Merry Christmas!