Site spruce up

Just spent the last wee while refreshing my website

www.victoriamcdonaldart.co.uk

Pop over and have a look, maybe even leave a pleasant comment on the Guest Book :)

Trip down memory lane...

I was procrastinating earlier (no idea exactly what from!) and found these old photos of my A-Level Art exhibition! WOW- that was 10 years ago!

I feel a mixture of nostalgic pride because I remember how chuffed I was at the time, how proud I felt of displaying my 2 years of graft for others to look at. But then I cringe cos I look at the work and think it looks awful! Ah well, it gave me a chuckle.

I still remember finishing off the green oil pastel background to my Rita Duffy/Matisse inspired piece just before I had to catch the plane to my Foundation Art & Design interview in Manchester. So does my mum, she went a bit mental at me for doing an all nighter. The first of many Art all nighters!

Words of Wisdom

I haven't blogged in a while, it might've been therapeutic to jot down my thoughts over the last week instead of just swirling them round in my head, but ho-hum.

Anyhow, this post is about a quote I saw shortly after my beloved Gran died.
I can't even remember where I saw it, but it stuck in my head. I like quotes at the best of times, but this seemed more of a "life moto" I decided to make a screenprint of said quote so I can look at it when I'm feeling a bit glum, to remind me of the bigger picture out there and to give me a kick up the ass!

p.s Just have to say how much I love the frame that my print's in- from Tesco would you believe?!

Folksy Friday- Top 10

Another random mix for your viewing pleasure. The only thing that these items have in common is... I want them!

























































1) Birdy Cushion by "edwina.simone"
2) Orange Shopper by "PIDGEONSTITCH"
3) Paisley Mug by "Laura-Kate Draws"
4) Frida Kahlo day of the dead kiltpin brooch by "Voodooville"
5) Macey Owl plushie by "DottyDaisies"
6) Urbanity 074 by "Zebedee"
7) Mushroom mini tote by "Emily Pickle"
8) Sterling Silver Star Stud Earrings by "Chris Parry- Bespoke Jeweller"
9) flared pink chicken mug by "1000degrees Art Studio"
10) Whino by "This is the audience"

My links aren't working today for some reason, so if you want to find the seller on www.folksy.com then copy and paste their name in the search box, or use the prefix www.folksy.com/shops/ (and then add the name I've highlighted in bold)

So I went...

... to the exhibition preview, and I'm glad I did. I decided to go primarily to check I was definately included in the exhibition and they hadn't dumped my paintings in the trash!

My 3 paintings were in the main exhibition area- not hidden away in a darkened corner- I was well chuffed!

Ok, so i didn't mingle and talk to people- mainly because people were talking in groups and I didn't see anyone I recognised. But it's progress of sorts, I guess.

I must've come home all inspired, cos I cracked on and got a painting finished that was meant to be a christmas present for someone special ;) It's a Basquiat inspired, medical themed piece, with a huge dollop of craziness! (the colours are a lot brighter in RL, photo taken on iPhone camera)

To go or not to go...?

After posting recently about the struggle of selling art online I got my finger out and contacted galleries and groups.

The Newcastle Artists Society (www.newcastleartistssociety.com) welcomed me with open arms with a very lovely and positive response. This was at the weekend just past. On Monday they invited me to exhibit a few works for their upcoming exhibition at the Richard Ling Gallery in Gosforth, Necastle!

The opening preview is tonight, from 6-9pm. And I haven't decided yet whether to go or not. I should. I realise networking is an essential part of getting your name out their. But at opening previews I never know what to do. I feel I don't fit in, I'm a part time artist, and the rest of the people there are suave arty types who are emersed in the art scene 24/7. Do I go early, or late on? How long should I stay for?

What if someone asks me a question I can't answer? What if I overhear a negative comment made about one of my art pieces? What if my work looks crap and childish amongst the other pieces?

I create art because it's my passion, my therapy, my way of winding down... but that doesn't mean I have faith in it. It doesn't even mean I like it.

Maybe I should man up and face my demons? I only have a few hours to decide...

My Regular Choice

Ok, so to get over my (lack of owning my) sideboard, I've decided to instead console myself by staring at my very gorgeous new Irregular Choice shoes that my little brother bought me before he went away.

Art for my feet :)