Firstly, I'm so sorry! I realised today that it's been nearly a month since I posted the last blog entry.
I actually can't believe it's been that long, and I'm appalled by my general tardiness recently when it comes to posting regular blogs. My intention a couple of months ago was to try to post on a regular basis rather than haphazardly as I had been doing (nothing for weeks and then three blogs in quick succession, for example). I think I'm going to have to choose two days per week on which to blog and stick to them. I think Mondays and Thursdays. It's the only way I'll make sure I post regularly, and it's good for my readers to know when to expect new posts. Plus, twice a week is achievable for me and isn't 'blog overload' for you (I hope). ;)
The Journey (1)
Orginal painting in acrylic on deep-edge canvas. 6x6"
© Natasha Newton 2011
Available from Snape Maltings Gallery, Suffolk.
The reason I haven't blogged isn't because I've been lazy. It's actually the opposite. Since I came back from my last trip to Paris in October I've been busier than ever, and I've produced more work in two months than I ever thought possible. I have two large commissioned paintings to share with you after Christmas (I can't do so yet as they're a Christmas present for someone!) and I've been working on several other commissions, new pieces for three different galleries, and lots of new paintings and painted stones for my Etsy shop. Etsy has been incredibly busy for me this year and sales this past month or so have been fantastic! So I've been going with the flow and trying to keep the shop as well-stocked with new artwork as I can. I'm also now offering professionally printed, archival quality signed prints (see below). I'm so pleased with how they turned out - they're beautiful! You can find out more about them here: Magic Forest Archival Print
© Natasha Newton
Alongside all of this, I've been fighting off the worst virus I've had for a long time - a very bad cold with an upset stomach that lasts for more than two weeks! I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel now, and I'm feeling much better. My boyfriend Leon also came over from Paris again between 16th - 18th December to spend a long weekend at the little cottage we rented in early October. It was wonderful to be back there again and we made the most of our (short) time together. We went out for some brilliant meals (I highly recommend The Crown pub in Ufford - the food was the best I've had anywhere!) and we lit a fire in the evenings, celebrated Leon's birthday with a Gu chocolate ganache cake (or something like that), and slept in a heavenly bed. It was just what we needed! We'd both been ill recently and also working ridiculously hard, so the break was good for us. I'm planning on going back to Paris to be with Leon again for three weeks on 3rd January - I can't wait!
And the last piece of news for today is that I've officially started a jewellery design collaboration with the talented jeweller Kirsty O'Donnell. We're calling our collaboration Ghost Birds, and we'll be releasing a collection of jewellery in 2012 that we'll be selling through the new Ghost Birds shop on Etsy. I'll be sure to let you know when the shop is open, and you'll be able to see our designs on this blog too!
For now, have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll be back soon with another new post! I haven't forgotten about a special blog post I promised you last month either (the one about running your own small business). That will be coming soon!
Happy Xmas and Best Wishes for 2012!
I hope your 'journey' is fun and successful (like your beautiful little bird in the painting).
Posted by: Nicky | December 22, 2011 at 01:42 PM
I'd noticed it was gettin' on a month...my initial thought was- come up for air...I don't think you need to apologize, ever! for when you blog. Those of us who've followed you for a while know you have a rhythm, & that the holidays are your busiest season.
have a great holiday & I'm lovin' the "The Journey"
Posted by: Evan | December 22, 2011 at 04:15 PM
Oh, I hope you do a print of The Journey! I really love it!
Posted by: Jenny S. | December 22, 2011 at 04:17 PM
These are all wonderful paintings (and prints) Natasha .... and so much to look forward to. So glad you and Leon had that little break to celebrate yourselves. Hope you can be well now, that the January break is fun, and that 2012 is your best year on all possible fronts. Look after you though. Blog when you can ... life is like this. As your readers we can understand and accept that you will write when you can (or when you cannot help but write, as Rilke put it). Have a wonderful Christmas!! Hugs to you and Leon.
Posted by: Dorothy | December 23, 2011 at 08:37 AM