Wonder-Full Steps #1: The First Market
Welcome to the first step in our newsletter journey! Thank you so much for signing up for emails. This weekly newsletter will show you a snap shot of my week as an artist - from the moments of wonder that inspire my art, to the final products and the faithful steps inbetween.
This past Saturday in Monto was a huge step of faith to take my art out of my living room and out to the public. I had spent a couple of months preparing my art and products, and with the support of my wonderful team, I had the confidence to give it a go. A quick meeting led to the "practice market stall" setup you can see here. On Saturday, my team took the table, products, and their smiles to the Monto Markets. It was a successful day, and we look forward to the next time!
Behind the scenes, I have been working on a new sketch. This photo shows a design I am planning for a 12in x 12in oil painting. It is inspired by the Golden Penda tree and its blooms. I have one in my yard, and when it is flowering, I have a hard time looking at anything but that yellow.
I have drawn the pattern out before picking up the paint to make sure it has a balance I approve of. Sketching helps me balance the positions of the colors and shapes, and weigh them against each other before the oil paint goes down.
Looking out a window this week I saw such a perfectly peaceful colour blue and it stopped me in my tracks. With the red tips of new growth in the foreground, my imagination was captured.
The series of three photos shows my progression from wonder, to a basic idea sketch, and finally to the colour. I am enjoying seeing the vision in my mind becoming real, though I’m not convinced the paper and pen medium is serving the vision well. So, I plan to turn it into an oil painting.
This project will most certainly stretch my skills (and probably my patience), but I have learned that if I don’t take those steps, I can’t share my joy. So, I accept the challenge in the hope that someone else may feel the joy and the peace this moment gave to me.
What sights have stopped you in your tracks and filled you with joy and peace? Let me know in the comments below!
Upcoming Market Details
Date: Saturday 10 October, 2026.
Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm
Location: Monto Market. Newton Street, Monto, QLD.
Thank you again for joining me on this first step.
Gratefully,
P.W.
P.S. If you have any suggestions for my next market, I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment and let me know!