Small Steps Everyday

Art, Flowers, and Finding My Way

May 07, 2025

Hello,

Hope you’re having a good week! Wednesday again. This week feels like it’s flying by, though it’s had its usual ups and downs.

I’ve been inspired by Amie McNee again this week. I read her book We Need Your Art when it came out in March. Reading it gave me the push to start my Substack newsletter after putting it off for well over a year.

“Baby steps, messy art. These are the two keys to living a creative life. This is how you become very successful. Messy art, baby steps.” Amie McNee

I was watching her TED Talk. Amie talks a lot about baby steps. How “it’s okay to take baby steps.” It’s not a book that will resonate with everyone. A friend of mine stopped reading it because she felt like she was being shouted at. I didn’t feel that way at all. I felt Amie was caring and gave me that gentle push to believe in myself, even though life is challenging in so many ways.

I often find myself thinking, What’s the point of doing art? I “could be” or “should be” cleaning the house. But little steps every day can make a big impact even if we aren’t happy with the art every time we sit down to create.

Abstract April

I learnt so much during Abstract April, mostly to trust the process. I love making abstract art; it brings me the most joy in my art making. Here’s a flip-through of my finished pieces…

May Flowers

I’m really enjoying the first week of May Flowers. I’ve decided to use images of bunches and collections of flowers for inspiration.

New Pith for May

After testing many, many sketchbooks, my current favourite is the Pith Lumia. I love how it lays flat, it’s a great size, and the paper can handle a lot of paint. I placed an order with Jackson’s and decided to add a tube of white acrylic. I didn’t realise it was going to be that big! 😄

Weekly Round-Up

I’ve nearly finished reading Nesting by Roisin O'Donnell. After a strong start, it’s started to meander a bit, but it’s still very well written and thought-provoking.
Lots more morning daily walks (although Oliver was upset that two red cars weren’t parked where they normally are!).
I watched the Bob Dylan film A Complete Unknown. Biopics can be hit or miss, especially if you’re a fan of the artist, but I really loved this one. I thought the music and Timothée Chalamet were brilliant.
Bank Holiday Monday – May is full of Bank Holidays in the UK.
I’m still struggling with sore and itchy eyes, which has meant I haven’t done much knitting in the evenings as my eyes have been too tired.