A week ago today I embarked on a journey half way across the World to visit friends and family. Its a trip I try to make every year, and I keep a set of painting materials stored in England so I can get out and paint whilst I am here. 

I have been settling in gently - spending time with family and making time for long walks through the English Countryside. The light lingers late in to the evening here and the birdsong is different. I find that my life has a slower rhythm here and I enjoy late evening walks watching the sunset across the fields.

I have some art goals while I am here, the first is to sketch more often, and the second is to practice painting  portraits. I have been trying build a regular sketching habit  since the new year, and honestly ....I have failed miserably so far. But the  quest continues here in England.

Yesterday, I  had one of those classic artist moments - set up to paint only to realise I was missing a few key materials. So I improvised and combined both goals by sketching myself from life in the mirror. It's a bit rough around the edges, but its not about perfection, its about showing up. You can't improve without practice so my aim is simply to keep going - no judgement, just pencil on paper.

Its early days yet but I am hopeful that I will build new habits while I am here - ones that I can carry home with me when the time comes.

Until next time

Jacki