Thank you for sharing Orla. You are very wise. When stuck in doubt, watch this and your other videos! I'm newly creative and practice for myself only. My mindsets are freedom, joy and bravery which is applicable to my art process and living life. Peace.
Beautiful video and so encouraging. The words that come to mind are notice and belong. I’ll be spending some time considering this further. Thank you so much for this video.
Thank you so much for this great video. I got so much out of it. My mindsets are strength and kindness for 2024. I have many aims or actions, but one is to explore ways to show my art, value myself and my work, and go see art more. A challenge for me is energy as I am 71 years old. I want to be careful about how I treasure the time I have. Thank you again.❤❤❤
They are such beautiful mindsets! I hope the art making process helps fuel & feed back some energy for you too 😊 thanks so much for sharing, and best wishes for all your creative goals this year! 💙
Thank you Orla, I always find something to reflect on from your videos and particularly love your thoughts on dreaming big.This year is about improving my drawing skills and working on a daily abstract in my sketchbook. I also hope to find some time to learn more about pattern design.❤
Hey Mandy, thanks so much - aw I love a little time to dream big, something I like to do fairly regularly. Think it helps keep the inspiration flowing! Ohh brilliant - these all sound really interesting💫 what is inspiring your abstracts?
@OrlaStevens Hi Orla, I live in Australia and my drawing and art has always been influenced by our diverse landscapes. Lately, I have been thinking about the effects of sunlight and shadows. My skills haven't yet caught up to my vision, but I will keep learning!
I struggle to follow artists with loud, shrill voices and those that speak too fast, so thank you Orla, for your grounded, calm, soothing voice, lovely! Really enjoying your posts 🙏
I’m also a fan of Orla’s gentle voice. Just got home from two days hard slog helping my stepdaughter and grandkids move home. Came for a rest and a lay down and literally smiled to see a new video from Orla at the top of my feed. 😊
Dear Orla, In a world of confusion and doubt, you bring a sense of being in the moment. I get so stuck and fearful most days, but you speak about having an aim and a plan. Im going to sit down and quietly write down a few ideas for this year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Jo.😊
Orla, thanks to the encouragement & integrity of your videos, I've finally established a consistent personal art practice. It brings me much joy. Thank you for all you do for this community.
Hello Orla, I just discovered your post. I’m at the beginning of finding my voice in creativity. Hearing you talk about mindset and what guides your self-reflection and artistic process, I’m in touch with my yearning to connect with and express myself my creatively. Thank you for so much for generously sharing. 🙏🏽☺️
Hi Orla. Thank you for this inspiring video - I enjoy your unique fresh approach to your art making and videos. I appreciate the amount of time you put into your videos and the footage you capture of your art making and the landscapes that inspire you. You are very busy with all that you do and it is exciting to share this with you. As you hinted at in your video, prioritise time for yourself and your own wellbeing first, us your audience can happily wait for your videos and patreon content as it will always be worth waiting for and I (as I'm sure others) wouldn't like to think you were putting yourself under unnecessary pressure. Happy 2024 ❤
Happy new year Julie! Thanks so much for all your kind words and your consideration, I really appreciate it 💙 I hope 2024 is full of creativity for you!
Thank you, Orla. I'm working smaller and in different sketchbooks this year. You mentioned that working for other peoples expectations does not serve us, and that is very true. This year is just what I want.
Yessss! Excited for you, I’m sure it will be rewarding :) there’s so much to be learned from shifting scale, I can feel some small works coming for me too :)
Thank you for sharing this video. Very helpful seeing how others approach the new year. Last year I thought I was going to do a whole bunch of things but I didn't. I think it is because my list was too big. And each of the projects were big too so overall it was just too much. While I didn't even finish the first art skills project that I was doing I had been doing smaller sketches and paintings throughout the year so it wasn't like I was doing nothing. For 2024, and for the first time doing something like this, I decided to pick a word that would help me remember what I wan't to accomplish and my word is "Growth." I also decided for 2024 to pick one thing out of all the things that I want to do and after narrowing it down to two things, learning landscape basics or portrait skills I decided that learning the basics would help me build up my skill level in not only with landscapes but also with portraits. The 5 areas that I want to improve on for landscapes are 1. Shape, 2. Value, 3. Color Temperature, 4. Edge, and 5. Composition. While I'm already "ok" doing landscapes, what I really want to do is be able to walk out my door and quickly select a scene and confidently know exactly how I'm going to paint it. To help me learn each of these areas I am in the middle of putting together a curriculum and afterwards I'll start practicing each of these areas. I am not going to do a deadline for them because I want to practice until I feel that I've really got it down and once I feel happy with the first one I'll then move onto the next on the list.
Thanks for watching, and for your thoughtful comment! I love seeing how people approach the idea of new beginnings too :) I'm also susceptible to the long list - it's so easy to get incredibly ambitious out of enthusiasm! Something I'm party to regularly That's a beautiful choice, and a great place to start too :) when you have the foundations, things roll much easier. It sounds like you've got a lot of clarity for your focuses & year ahead! Yeah for sure; having that confidence in direction is a really lovely thing, and sounds like you're on the right path to getting yourself to that feeling :)
Happy new year Orla.This was a lovely video, l know its a lot of work producing and editing. I do enjoy them, they are full of interesting content. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and processes.......Alioban ❤
I myself am going through a phase of big change in my life and slowly trying to get back to my creative practice since New Year. this vlog certainly brought moments of self reflection and validations !! Thanks for that 🫶 And best wishes for 2024 💐👍🏻
Hello! That's great to hear you're finding more space for creativity this year; I think it's something that ebbs and flows for us all :) hope you have a lovely year ahead! ☀️
I have big goals this year 🎉 I started a TH-cam channel to document my journey. And I plan on get at least 1 gallery to represent me. Can’t wait to see all you create
There's a wee book to be made from this video. Did you read Rick Rubin's book in the end? You sound like him here. Very good advice and strategies, thanks. Made me make some clear decisions x
I’m dipping into it here and there, chipping away :) will probably take me another year haha! Also, have you read Seth rogans ‘the practice’? Really enjoying it so far! Looking forward to hearing your news :)
Looking to at least make art, been trying for at least 5 years to be consistent, even my husband laughs now at me. So trying to explore and have fun and forget everyone else and think this is for me this year and be consistent. Hopefully by the end have a portfolio website with me on it in the form of artwork.
That sounds really exciting - I think consistency can adapt to fit you too :) I watched a really good video last night (for context it was a photographer doing a photo challenge). Anyhow, his takeaway was to adapt the challenge to make it easier, so it became something he could do consistently, and I think I’m gonna keep that in mind for myself this year too, make the goal easier and work on fewer things :) happy making!
Thank you for sharing Orla. You are very wise. When stuck in doubt, watch this and your other videos! I'm newly creative and practice for myself only. My mindsets are freedom, joy and bravery which is applicable to my art process and living life. Peace.
Really glad you’re getting things from these videos 😊 beautiful mindsets to focus on! 🩵
Beautiful video and so encouraging. The words that come to mind are notice and belong. I’ll be spending some time considering this further. Thank you so much for this video.
Thank you, really glad you enjoyed, and beautiful word choices 😊
So happy I've found your channel ☺️💖🤗
Aw thank you Julie! ☀️
Thank you so much for this great video. I got so much out of it. My mindsets are strength and kindness for 2024. I have many aims or actions, but one is to explore ways to show my art, value myself and my work, and go see art more. A challenge for me is energy as I am 71 years old. I want to be careful about how I treasure the time I have. Thank you again.❤❤❤
They are such beautiful mindsets! I hope the art making process helps fuel & feed back some energy for you too 😊 thanks so much for sharing, and best wishes for all your creative goals this year! 💙
Thank you Orla, I always find something to reflect on from your videos and particularly love your thoughts on dreaming big.This year is about improving my drawing skills and working on a daily abstract in my sketchbook. I also hope to find some time to learn more about pattern design.❤
Hey Mandy, thanks so much - aw I love a little time to dream big, something I like to do fairly regularly. Think it helps keep the inspiration flowing! Ohh brilliant - these all sound really interesting💫 what is inspiring your abstracts?
@OrlaStevens Hi Orla, I live in Australia and my drawing and art has always been influenced by our diverse landscapes. Lately, I have been thinking about the effects of sunlight and shadows. My skills haven't yet caught up to my vision, but I will keep learning!
I struggle to follow artists with loud, shrill voices and those that speak too fast, so thank you Orla, for your grounded, calm, soothing voice, lovely! Really enjoying your posts 🙏
I’m also a fan of Orla’s gentle voice. Just got home from two days hard slog helping my stepdaughter and grandkids move home. Came for a rest and a lay down and literally smiled to see a new video from Orla at the top of my feed. 😊
Thanks so much Christine, glad it resonates with you :) it’s lovely to be able to be myself online! ☀️
Oh I hope the move went well, it’s an exhausting process!! Aw that’s so lovely, thank you :)
Dear Orla,
In a world of confusion and doubt, you bring a sense of being in the moment.
I get so stuck and fearful most days, but you speak about having an aim and a plan.
Im going to sit down and quietly write down a few ideas for this year.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us.
Jo.😊
I hope the gentle aim finding helps you find some clarity! It’s so easy and normal to feel stuck, I get like that often too ♥️
Orla, thanks to the encouragement & integrity of your videos, I've finally established a consistent personal art practice. It brings me much joy. Thank you for all you do for this community.
That is amazing to hear, I’m really happy you’ve found a way of working that brings you joy, and thank you for letting me know, it’s made my day ☺️
Loving all you do Orla! Keep it coming❤
Thank you Tina! ♥️
Orla I love watching your videos I find them so inspirational thank you so much
thanks Sonia! ☀️
This was wonderful to watch thanks for sharing ❤
thanks so much! 😊
Lovely video Orla, thank you 😊
Thank you!
Hello Orla, I just discovered your post. I’m at the beginning of finding my voice in creativity. Hearing you talk about mindset and what guides your self-reflection and artistic process, I’m in touch with my yearning to connect with and express myself my creatively. Thank you for so much for generously sharing. 🙏🏽☺️
Hello! 👋 that’s a really exciting place to be, and sounds like a really great place to explore and experiment within :) thanks so much for watching ☀️
Hi Orla. Thank you for this inspiring video - I enjoy your unique fresh approach to your art making and videos. I appreciate the amount of time you put into your videos and the footage you capture of your art making and the landscapes that inspire you. You are very busy with all that you do and it is exciting to share this with you. As you hinted at in your video, prioritise time for yourself and your own wellbeing first, us your audience can happily wait for your videos and patreon content as it will always be worth waiting for and I (as I'm sure others) wouldn't like to think you were putting yourself under unnecessary pressure. Happy 2024 ❤
Happy new year Julie! Thanks so much for all your kind words and your consideration, I really appreciate it 💙 I hope 2024 is full of creativity for you!
I love that you named the things you felt didn't work out as "misadventures". Brilliant video. Orla. Thank you, I can't wait to see more of your art ❤
That's great to hear it resonated with you 🌞 thanks so much for watching!
Thank you Orla. Your video is a wonderful gift.
Thank you! ☀️
Beautiful video, Orla...thank you! Inspiring food for thought as always. And I love that your family home has an art studio! 😍
Thanks so much Lianne, and happy new year! It’s such a great space, I’m very fortunate to have access to it 😊
Thank you, Orla. I'm working smaller and in different sketchbooks this year. You mentioned that working for other peoples expectations does not serve us, and that is very true. This year is just what I want.
Yessss! Excited for you, I’m sure it will be rewarding :) there’s so much to be learned from shifting scale, I can feel some small works coming for me too :)
It is not how much you do; it is THAT you do.
absolutely! creativity as an action :)
Thank you for sharing this video. Very helpful seeing how others approach the new year.
Last year I thought I was going to do a whole bunch of things but I didn't. I think it is because my list was too big. And each of the projects were big too so overall it was just too much.
While I didn't even finish the first art skills project that I was doing I had been doing smaller sketches and paintings throughout the year so it wasn't like I was doing nothing.
For 2024, and for the first time doing something like this, I decided to pick a word that would help me remember what I wan't to accomplish and my word is "Growth."
I also decided for 2024 to pick one thing out of all the things that I want to do and after narrowing it down to two things, learning landscape basics or portrait skills I decided that learning the basics would help me build up my skill level in not only with landscapes but also with portraits.
The 5 areas that I want to improve on for landscapes are 1. Shape, 2. Value, 3. Color Temperature, 4. Edge, and 5. Composition. While I'm already "ok" doing landscapes, what I really want to do is be able to walk out my door and quickly select a scene and confidently know exactly how I'm going to paint it.
To help me learn each of these areas I am in the middle of putting together a curriculum and afterwards I'll start practicing each of these areas. I am not going to do a deadline for them because I want to practice until I feel that I've really got it down and once I feel happy with the first one I'll then move onto the next on the list.
Thanks for watching, and for your thoughtful comment! I love seeing how people approach the idea of new beginnings too :)
I'm also susceptible to the long list - it's so easy to get incredibly ambitious out of enthusiasm! Something I'm party to regularly
That's a beautiful choice, and a great place to start too :) when you have the foundations, things roll much easier. It sounds like you've got a lot of clarity for your focuses & year ahead!
Yeah for sure; having that confidence in direction is a really lovely thing, and sounds like you're on the right path to getting yourself to that feeling :)
Happy new year Orla.This was a lovely video, l know its a lot of work producing and editing. I do enjoy them, they are full of interesting content. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and processes.......Alioban ❤
Happy new year Alioban! 💙 thanks so much, really glad you’re enjoying them! Looking forward to sharing some more ideas soon x
See you soon!!! Loved this!
Thanks so much! 😊
I myself am going through a phase of big change in my life and slowly trying to get back to my creative practice since New Year. this vlog certainly brought moments of self reflection and validations !! Thanks for that 🫶 And best wishes for 2024 💐👍🏻
Hello! That's great to hear you're finding more space for creativity this year; I think it's something that ebbs and flows for us all :) hope you have a lovely year ahead! ☀️
What a wonderful video❤ thanks for sharing your thoughts Orla!
For this year i want to be more courageous and experiment more with my art and show it🍀
Thanks so much Lani! that sounds great, would love to see more of what you create 😊
Love this video very inspiring
thanks so much alexis :)
I have big goals this year 🎉 I started a TH-cam channel to document my journey. And I plan on get at least 1 gallery to represent me. Can’t wait to see all you create
yessssss! 🔥 all the big goals, best of luck!
Happy new year Orla!!! Wonderful life ahead 🍀
Happy new year! 💙and to you :)
such an inspiring video, I love it 😊😊
Thanks so much Chantelle 💙 happy new year!
Exploring. “Mis adventures”is so judgmental. Art. Life is simple moments changing the dance. Enjoy each step.
It sounds like you are on the Artists Journey of answering questions no one else is asking 😊
There's a wee book to be made from this video. Did you read Rick Rubin's book in the end? You sound like him here. Very good advice and strategies, thanks. Made me make some clear decisions x
I’m dipping into it here and there, chipping away :) will probably take me another year haha! Also, have you read Seth rogans ‘the practice’? Really enjoying it so far! Looking forward to hearing your news :)
❤
Looking to at least make art, been trying for at least 5 years to be consistent, even my husband laughs now at me. So trying to explore and have fun and forget everyone else and think this is for me this year and be consistent. Hopefully by the end have a portfolio website with me on it in the form of artwork.
That sounds really exciting - I think consistency can adapt to fit you too :) I watched a really good video last night (for context it was a photographer doing a photo challenge). Anyhow, his takeaway was to adapt the challenge to make it easier, so it became something he could do consistently, and I think I’m gonna keep that in mind for myself this year too, make the goal easier and work on fewer things :) happy making!
What are your art materials that you use after you make your zine, very thick pastels or oil pastels.😊
Oil pastels! I used caran d’ache neocolours as they’re not super creamy so good for working on the move 🥾
My goal is to enroll in an online art school (Evolve or NMA) and obtain a mentor.
That sounds really exciting, good luck! Mentors can be so so helpful ☀️
My goa;l are not the same as yours for this year but your approach and your colours are very inspiring. @placelifecolour
Thanks Amanda! That’s really kind and I hope you have fun working towards your goals :)