I was delighted to be asked to create a painting for the front cover of the Settle Community News. The theme being ‘new beginnings’ immediately made me think of the new snowdrops, celandines, crocus and daffodils that will be pushing their way up into the light. I often like to paint in watercolour, but for this painting I used gouache which is more opaque than watercolour.
I come from a very creative and artistic family, with my Mum being a very good artist, my dad an excellent photographer, my sister an exceptional artist and a brother who was a chef, so it followed that I would explore my creativity. I’ve always enjoyed depicting nature in my artwork and having lived in the countryside all my life, I’ve had plenty of inspiration on my doorstep.
Just before the pandemic, an art group was set up in Hellifield, called Helliarts which I joined. We did the sessions remotely during covid, but since then have met monthly in person, where we choose a theme and produce art work based on that theme. I love being part of the group as we all encourage and inspire each other and share our work in a supportive atmosphere.
As well as my art activities I work part time as a counsellor, working from my home therapy room. Counselling provides a safe and supportive space, using listening, empathy and understanding to help people recognise how they feel, their emotional response to certain situations and their behaviours. It looks at past experiences and how they may have brought people to their present situation. It helps people to come to terms with their past so that they are ready to move forward, whilst focussing on strengths and resources and how life will be better once changes are made.
Counselling can help with all sorts of areas in life such as relationships, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, bereavement, stress, health issues and so much more.
If you would like to know more about my sessions, please visit my profile at www.counselling-directory.org.uk
