"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein
After a pretty horrible burnout at the beginning of this year, I made a promise to myself.
Rather than pushing for everything I am trying to achieve, and controlling and dare I say micro-managing, I am trying to be in receiving mode.
It felt really scary, as I've always been a believer in the scripture 'you reap what you sow'.
How could everything I have built to make art my full-time job, keep going without me using up all of my energies to keep it thriving?
But when your body says enough, you have to listen.
So I listened. I breathed into my belly, opened up my palms and lifted my face to the sky.
I let go.
What has been offered to me since has been nothing short of miraculous.
I have gained absolutely wonderful new collectors, completed another solo show, added more dates and venues for my painting workshops and taught at the most magical art retreat!
I have received more enquires for work than ever before, and for that I am so truly grateful.
Even our garden has been reinforcing my lesson: that when given space and time, it is possible for lovely things to self-seed. Even in the most literal sense.
The most glorious Dames Violet plant has been happily flowering in our vegetable bed for the past couple of months. It smells amazing too! And we have absolutely no idea where it came from.
Keeping things going with my art has still been hard work, but is now carried out with a stronger sense of gratitude and trust. I feel more held. And as a result I have been able to pour more love, attention and energy into my paintings and my teaching.
It is so true that you can not pour from an empty cup, and I really hope that you have some dates in your diary that are just for you. Something that will replenish your energies and make your heart sing!
Something that reminds you that our world is indeed full of miracles.
Smiling artists at the Lone Pine Art Retreat, Lynmouth in June
I have a number of dates for your diaries with lots of arty goodness to look forward to!
After the success of the first wonderful painting retreat, myself and Lone Pine Retreats are hosting another weekend of art immersion, gorgeous scenery and delicious food.
The dates are from Thursday 1 August to Sunday 4 August, and the price includes all art materials, accommodation at Seaview Villa and meals. Full retreat price is £675 and there is a locals day rate (excluding accommodation) which is £350.
For more information and booking please visit the Seaview Villa website
It really was the most amazing treat to have time away to focus purely on relaxation and painting, and to be fed such beautiful home made food!
Places are limited so enquire today to secure your experience on the Art & the Great Outdoors Retreat
'Infinite Flow 2' Available from Echo Beach Gallery
More oil painting workshops are now booked in the diary!
First at Art Mash at Chivenor Business Park just outside Braunton.
This workshop is on 20 July from 12.30 to 4.30pm. The price is £55 per person and all materials are included.
In this class we will be painting something similar to 'Infinite Flow 2' shown above.
To book on please email me amy@amyjobes.com with the title 'Art Mash Painting Class'.
Westcott Barton Retreat Centre
I am absolutely delighted to be offering a one day workshop on Saturday 19 October at the beautiful Westcott Barton Retreat Centre here in North Devon.
The venue is so gorgeous it is also used for weddings! It's an absolute gem of a place and I am really looking forward to teaching here.
For more details and bookings please follow the link below:
'Eternal Dream' - available from Echo Beach Gallery
Exhibitions
Upcoming exhibitions include:
Instow Summer Art Show on 10 and 11 August, with the Private View on Friday 9 August at 7pm
The RNLI Art Show at Instow Yacht Club on 19 & 20 October, with the Private View on Friday 18 October at 7pm
I will send more information about these exhibitions nearer the time!
Thank you
Amy Jobes with Echo Beach Gallerist Nina Lording
I wanted to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of you who supported me at my solo show in Ilfracombe in May.
Whether it was by visiting the show or liking and commenting on posts on social media, all of the love was very well received!
Remember to pop into the wonderful Echo Beach Gallery if you are visiting North Devon.
And thank you, as always, for being here.
Solstice Blessings to you and yours and have a lovely weekend!
P.s. You can view collections of my available original paintings on the Echo Beach Gallery website and also Wave 7 Gallery
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