Approaching: Spring & Summer.

I feel a sense of anticipation; a sense of excitement at the prospect of the approaching Spring and Summer this year!

This is not only because I will be able to get out and about in the world, taking photographs and gaining inspiration for other art works’. I have also missed going out at the drop of a hat, during these autumn + Winter months.

• First things first I have gained a solid understanding of my photography equipment.
• I understand that I will hardly need to purchase any further equipment photograph-wise.
• I’ve recently began Oil Painting again, with a view to gaining more and more expertise in this area for the future.
• April is a lovely month; I do anticipate that I will have plenty of opportunities to photograph and see the world this spring and summer.
• Things are looking up!

During the winter months I have gained inspiration from other people, places and works of art to keep me going in this respect.

Also, I have been giving myself a hard time, because I have not been as productive as I would like to be, during these winter months. This can and does affect my mental health in negative ways, but thankfully, I have at times gained the strength I needed to get through these emotional times.

I’ve been reading about psychology and emotions quite a bit during the winter (probably for comfort and understanding). I am thankful for the writings of a philosopher psychiatrist Dr Neel Burton, whose writings on these subjects has proved enriching; Also Dr Brené Brown has proved a favorite of mine on YouTube, especially her interviews with Oprah Winfrey.

Needless to say, I have been heavily reflective this winter, looking at myself and strategies for self-improvement; with some success.