Remember, I’m skipping over Movement No. 2.

Before I begin, I’m working on two paintings for the British Art Prize 2025, but I think my aspirations may be a little ambitious. I’m a realist, and as I’m dabbing on paint, I’m thinking, ‘Why am I pressuring myself this way?’ ‘Why not just do art for art’s sake?’ ‘Boy, this is crap work. I’m really not a painter.’

I’m too old to care about rummaging about in my brain and analysing my motivations. But, if I think my two paintings are ready by the cut-off date, if I want to spend the money to enter, if I want to ‘rush’ my work, then fine, do it. However, when you work full-time and have some carer’s responsibilities, you may need to add ‘acceptance’ to the realistic outlook. Notice how I transitioned from a first to a third-person perspective? Apparently, this is called ‘illeism’ and can be a healthy way to regulate emotions, boost confidence, and aid in decision-making (thank you, AI). Notice I’m now procrastinating.

I’ve also forgotten what I was going to write.  But before I forget, take a look at my mood boards. You can download them, add them as a layer to your favourite software, but make sure to create a layer on top to draw on.

Moving on. Now I’ve mastered the Cave Art *cough, I’m tackling Ancient Art 4000 B.C. – A.D. 400 with my weed (no, not that kind). First, a quick refresh on the rules – made brief:

The Rules.

1. Use the weed (original photo to digital painting).
2. Apply to movement, colour alteration okay, and deconstruct if needed, but all elements of my image must be represented.
3. Miscellaneous.

Goal 90% achievable:

Study Ancient art, choose from one of the three main ones: ‘Egyptian, Greek or Roman’. Choose ‘Symbolism, Functionality, Material, Technique, Culture Reflection’. Sculpt the weed, cure it or whatever you do with that kind of art, carve out markings, do other stuff…and my interest has just bombed.

What really happened 2%:

I noticed a lot of pedestals, so I stuck my weed on one (digitally). There is no functionality, but the symbolism could be, well, I’ll let you guess that. I can afford to buy clay to sculpt the item, but what about the oven, tools, glaze, etc.? (and the effort? Ugh). Again, I’ve gone digital. While not a reflection on the culture back then, it is a reflection of today.

Re-creating something from the Ancient Art movement was more doable than the Cave Art movement, but the money, time and energy to produce a vase, a sculpture, an engraved work, an altar, a building, a bust or sarcophagus, get marble, need I go on. No. I do not.

Here it is.

Ah, I don’t think I supplied my original photo:

Tasmania, 2024, Backyard.