This summer, I've been trying to focus more on finding my creative spirit and finding inspiration from the world around me. I've finally made a habit of carrying a sketchbook and pencils around with me, so that if I am inspired by something, I can jot down a sketch and some ideas. Honestly, it has been the best thing ever! I've been drawing/ painting consistently for nearly 10 years now, and I always struggled to come up with my own inspiration - I always used to use prompts from pinterest and drawing challenges (a drawing challenge is actually how I started my journey, would definitely recommend and I have LOADS pinned on my pinterest if you want to check them out!). I think in the past year or two I've been able to come up with original ideas a bit more, or base art on pictures that I take, but bringing a sketchbook around with me has taken things to a new level! I think even having the sketchbook in my bag prompts me to look at the world around me through a different lense, and everything feels like a potential future art project. The added benefit is that it has also been great for my mental wellbeing, because it allows me to find beauty and interest in everything. How can I be sad when I'm in awe of everything around me?

I've been finding a new joy in creating, and I felt that my rainbow animals really allowed me to express myself through all the colours and fun shapes, but my next project is looking at the buildings in Manchester city centre. I'm hoping that what I've learnt throughout this summer helps me to make the paintings more interesting, and maybe help you to see Manchester through the lens I've been cultivating! I have a list of buildings I'd like to paint but if you have any requests please get in contact to let me know - I hope you enjoy what's to come!