all that glitters...

Well look at this, just like buses, you wait for ages and then two come along together! I saw poster on my way to work this morning with "Labels are for Bottles" and I thought it was spot on and followed nicely from my previous rant, so I thought I would meander down this avenue and see where it takes me. As a species, we do like a label don't we? In one breath we say people are a "this" or a "that" and in the very next breath, extol the virtues of individuality! When it comes to art and all things creative, there are a multitude of genres and styles. I find it really hard to nail my colours to any particular mast as I feel what I create crosses a few styles, so I am wondering..... is it up to me to decide my label, or do I have to accept whatever others decide best fits? I still haven't got a name for this piece, never-mind not knowing what category it fits into Am I expressionist, contemporary.... does it really matter? It migh

Ok. I will start with a small apology about the lengthy silence. Life is short and busy and it turns out to be quite difficult to keep up with a blog as well as all the other social media links plus hold down a day job, be a good horse mother and find time to paint. Something has to give. However, it appears I found my voice again after a full blown rant recently and I feel the need to reach out to whoever reads this to see if I am not alone with my thinking, so here goes: I sometimes use reference photos for my work, sometimes more than one for one painting. It might be to give me some reference for the shape and form of the horse other times I might use something for the background, the sky and so on. I mostly use my own photos. If they are not mine, I always ensure I have full permission from the creative owner - I am well aware and mindful of copyright laws. That's not the issue here. My issue is, people comparing my work to the reference photos. Horse painted from m