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Chris Lovie-Tyler
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A mixed start to the year

Chris Lovie-Tyler
I'll admit, I've struggled to find the motivation to paint this month. Despite having some time off work, I've started the year tired and flat. That's partly from being out of shape physically, but also—probably more than I realise—engaging with all of the stuff that's been happening in the world over the last few years. 

Anyway, I don't want to labour on that. I just wanted to be honest.

On a happier note, my wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We took the kids to her mum's in Katikati and then spent a few days by ourselves at a cool B&B in Bowentown. A few of the drawings and photos below are from that trip.
Uretara Estuary in Katikati. I was quite taken by the strong tree shadow in the background. Pencil on paper
An interesting, brassy ornament on a shelf at the B&B we stayed at. There were other ornaments on the shelf, but I ran out of time to draw those. Pencil on paper
A section of my mother-in-law's garden. Fineliner on paper
A Sharpie, in case you hadn't guessed! Pencil on paper

A couple of attempts to create an abstract watercolour header for the website. They weren't quite strong enough, so I didn't use them.

Photos from our trip


A mural in on the side of public toilets at Waihi Beach. Check out the dog's sunglasses.
Another mural, I think by the same artist, at Waihi Beach
A floral painting I really loved at the B&B we stayed at. Couldn't quite read the artist's signature

The only way

I keep on making what I can’t do yet in order to learn to be able to do it.

—Vincent Van Gogh

A few links

  • Jeremy Miranda. Unreal—especially the nocturnes.
  • “Social media is bad for artists (and we all know it)” A pretty comprehensive essay, for artists and anyone who uses social media. I was on Instagram for a short time recently, but, despite it being inspiring, I decided to leave. I realised it was a distraction from making work—and that ultimately it wasn't going to give me much in return. A lot of artists seem to be coming to that conclusion now.
  • "Advice for new artists - and anyone who's struggling." I love Danny's calm voice and encouraging words. He also offers lots of practical advice.
Thanks for reading! ❤️