Wonder-Full Steps #3: Small Details, Big Joy
Welcome to the next step in our newsletter journey! Thank you so much for connecting with me here. 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.
Project Update
I’ve been working on the ‘Golden Penda’ painting again. This step required a steady hand and constantly keeping an eye out for the position of the flowers in the next stage. I have discovered that I find a square harder to balance than a rectangle, so I dedicated a few minutes to drawing different possible arrangements to determine the best weight balance.
Then came the ‘leap of faith’—I mixed my paint, chose my paintbrush, and decided to trust in the arrangement I had settled on. There is never a guarantee that I’ve found the best option, but if I never take that leap, I’ll never paint anything. It’s better to risk trying, failing, and learning, than to remain less than our full potential on purpose. Besides, it's just possible that the small leaps of faith we take can turn into something good. I’m willing to be surprised.
Have you ever taken a ‘leap of faith’ that felt small? Were you glad you did it? Let me know in the comments below!
Inspiration
I had a spare moment this week to take my camera outside. I didn’t take it far, only to my backyard. I walked around to all my favourite plants and got as close as I could. I even got a close-up of a spider! My aim was to catch the details that are too small for my eye to see, and I was not disappointed.
As you can see in the photos, on the spider’s back I found an intricate pattern, on the variegated succulent I found pink edges and spots, and the shot of the bottlebrush showed me the red strands unfurling out of the bud. And the vinca… well, I didn’t see anything new in this one—I’ve spent many moments looking at this plant. Call me crazy, but I love a good vinca!
I had so much fun taking these photos and seeing things I’ve never seen before. Rarely has my smile ever been wider. I guess that means that sometimes the biggest joy is found in the smallest details.
What is something that made your smile wide this week? Please share your joy with me 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 next wonder-full step.
Gratefully,
P.W.
P.S. Is there anything specific about my art process that you would like to see? Leave a comment and let me know!