Observation & Commentary
“Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.” -George Bernard Shaw
Samantha Humphreys
Art, Photography, Inspiration & Education
Featured
June 30, 2026
Connecting Through Music: My Own Take That Odyssey
Breathstealing (26 June 20262026)
I need to write this down while all the words are here in my brain and the elation is still bubbling away in my heart even though I fully intend to keep it there.
I am, as you will know, an advocate for creativity as a powerful tool to celebrate the small moments in life. By employing mindful practices, I have learned not only to recognize but also to appreciate those little snippets of time when my heart feels joy. These fleeting instances inspire me to capture my experiences in my journal, where I employ a range of media, from sketches, and watercolours to words and poetry. Through these creative expressions, I find a sense of space within which I can process my emotions and deal with them accordingly. I also teach these methods of how to harness and apply the powerful combination of mark-making techniques.
However, there is one particular experience that consistently overflows my heart with an abundance of good feelings, positive vibes, and sheer elation for a whole two-hour stretch, every couple of years or so. It transcends mere enjoyment; it is the excitement and shared love of something profoundly special that has the unique ability to unite many people. At said times, the world around me fades away, and I become immersed in a collective outburst of love. I am of course talking about Take That and the breath ‘stealing’ shows they put together. It’s not just the two hours that spark joy but the anticipation leading up to it, the overwhelming camaraderie shared with fellow ‘Thatters’, and the echo of laughter and smiles that linger long after the concert has ended.
I happened upon my first Take That concert in 1993, I was twenty one and of course, life felt tough. I was at the Chelmsford Spectacular at Hylands park which I went to every year, there was always someone good on. From that moment on, life just felt better and this was down to the pure energy and good vibes those boys gave to their audience in abundance. They gave a convincing impression of happiness and it was absolutely infectious.
This unified experiencing of music and the memories that are being stirred up with each word, each dance move (for me its Pray) and each smile from the stage makes the stadium a large scale, high intensity enrichment experience for those within. It’s like a workout for the brain, only it’s a wellbeing workout rather than a physical fitness type of exercise. I have always encouraged my girls to see their favourite bands because of the impact this had on me and now they are adults, they are seasoned concert goers like their mum and we have a shared understanding of the powers they can hold. This was the first time I have been to see Take That with one of them. It will now be a new tradition. One night with my long time friend and fellow Thatter Rhiannon in seated and another night standing with Ruby,
This is the most powerful example of the enormous power creativity holds to forge bonds and harness lasting memories that soothe our lives. Each encounter becomes a cherished memory, a reminder of how vital it is to seek out and celebrate those moments that fill us with joy, reminding us of our part as the embroidery in the shared fabric of humanity. But these are moments that need no documenting for reasons other than to be able to rewatch. This is not a safe method of retaining these memories. we all know that these records can disappear off up into the ….cloud….thingies or whatever. The documenting of these experiences are internal and our emotional responses are there for all time. We just need to make sure we hold on to them (on the lovely fluffy cloud that is living very nicely in my head right now).
Whilst I was waiting on both my trips to Stratford this weekend, I started a series of drawings of the little pockets of togetherness that was happening during the wait in the queues. I have also included in this series, people who were standing or sitting alone a the time I captured their image because they were part of the collective togetherness.
P.S In case you were wondering…Mark Owen from day one.
The End of The Night (27 June 2026)
June 19, 2026
The Art of Doing Nothing: A Pathway to Productivity
Oxeye Daisies, Bocking (2026)
This will be a short post as I have had a day off this week and I want to focus on what I haven’t done rather than what I have. This may seem like a strange kind of reverse psychology as it feels as though it is concentrating on negative energy rather than positive energy. But it occurred to me that our learned mantras of focusing on the positive implies that voids, emptiness and blank spaces are to be avoided, ignored or frowned upon. My day off was not really planned, it was largely down to some schedule changes of others that happened to be on the same day.
I didn’t know what to do with my sudden abundance of time at first, and my brain suddenly flooded with all the things I should be doing with it. There were so many things vying for my attention—household stuff, art projects that need finishing, art projects that need starting and things that had been on my to-do list for far too long. Then I realised I should have a gentle day, no rushing around, no trying to cram in lots of jobs, and no feeling guilty about ‘wasting time.’ I decided it would be better to embrace this unexpected gift of free time.
No feeling guilty
That doesn’t come easy to me; when there is unexpected time I always find myself wrestling with that internal dialogue that insists I should always be productive. The culture around us constantly promotes the idea that downtime equates to laziness, which can be a difficult idea to shake off.
There is certainly a skill in the art of doing nothing, a skill that many overlook. I mean, we would hardly include this skill in a curriculum vitae would we? Yet, if we allowed ourselves some quiet moments, to allow thoughts to drift freely, it actually increases productivity and solutions to long existing problems can emerge into a calm and relaxed brain. So, it’s time to embrace that stillness, to stop trying to catch up with time and simply exist in the moment.
With that said, as it turns out from this post, I can write about literally nothing, so I am going to stop my internal monologue here. Before I do, I will say that allowing myself this pause felt strangely liberating, and I know how to handle some upcoming challenges a little more clearly?
May 29, 2026
Where My Worlds Collide
When I was a little girl in the late nineteen seventies, my first glimpse of what a real life adult artist looked like was through the magic of a television advert for cadburys flake. In the advert, a pretty lady in a cool outfit sits down in a field of poppies with her watercolour paints. Two of my favourite things in one advert, chocolate and art, of course I was influenced, I even thought it was brilliant that she embraced the rain that ‘spoiled’ her painting.
During my summer walks, now, as an adult chocolate eating artist, I can’t help remembering this advert (singing the song in my head too) when I walk along the golden fields that bloom with splatters of all kinds of colour and with the changing light and direction, the same field can change from hues of greens and yellows to more muted tones of ochres with stalks of an almost rose gold under the direct sunlight.
It amuses me that the advert appealed to my younger self and it resonates still with me now and echoes with many strands of my life. I do like to walk through and around fields although-not through grasses higher than my shins for many reasons: insects, trip hazards and unknown substances to name a few, plus, I do not want to be ‘surprised’ by any rodents!
I will never tire of making art based on the environments I walk in whether I am photographing, drawing, painting or printing and I am also more in awe of the art process than the final outcome, I have used rain falling from the sky as a medium and, I think I wear cool clothes.
I mainly eat cadburys flakes in a 99 flake ice cream though, and never, ever while on a field walk.
April 5, 2026
Craftsmanship and Memories
My dollhouse project that was started by my grandad fifty years ago has been coming along nicely this week as I have had a little time off to work on it. I have been working on the interior which I will not be overworking as I want to retain as much as possible of what was there originally, I don’t want to lose the appeal of celebrating the history of the production. I will be giving some considered thought to each and every square inch but the old and unfinished look, particularly to the upstairs working area will be my objective.
I had a thought earlier today that I actually don’t want to rush through finishing this as it makes me so happy to work on it. Each detail I add brings back memories of my grandad’s craftsmanship and the stories he used to tell me about his work. I want to savour every moment spent on this project. I do however see it as an evolving and ongoing activity, with real exhibitions and documentation to bring it to a new audience.
I have decided that I want more of an outside space as I have had so many ideas for what this could involve. The vision I have in my mind is serene and inviting with flowers, plants and the occasional art installation. A place that reflects not only my creative vision, but also the warmth of family traditions passed down through generations. I feel as though I am collaborating with my Grandad.
Happy Easter! May it inspire new art endeavours!
March 20, 2026
Embracing Life’s Doors: Opportunities and Obstacles
In my recent adventures into the world of miniatura I have been making decisions on doors. Do I make them or buy them? I want to make them from scraps of wood in keeping with the spirit of the houses origins and they will not be quite to scale because the house itself is just slightly under (just in the same way that a person of average height may need to duck to walk through doors built in Tudor times).
When you think about doors, which I’m sure you do often, do you see them positively or negatively? We usually think of windows as symbols of opportunity and hope, while doors can feel like barriers or obstacles.
There’s a saying, “when one door closes, another opens,” and I’ve been reflecting on it lately. Life resembles a series of doors opening and closing to the rooms containing or professional and personal lives as well as our physical and emotional health. Sometimes we encounter revolving doors that offer chances but take them back before we can fully use them. Each door is part of our unique story, Missing those chances may create space for new growth elsewhere. When doors slam shut, we should recognise it, learn from the experience if possible, and then move forward.
Throughout our lives, doors will keep opening and closing. What is important is to be sure embrace all doors—whether you burst through them with excitement or close them gently behind you as you move on.
March 13, 2026
10 Essential Items for a Miniature Art Studio
I have been finding ‘stuff’ that I think would be great to add to my miniature studio and just kind of dumping it in. It’s an ongoing therapeutic task, as each item carries its unique charm and potential and fits nicely into its new role as beautiful object, subject, muse and inspiration. I have created small paintbrushes, miniature canvases and tiny easels that are perfect for bringing this project to life. Already, it is shaping up to be a convincing replica of a working art studio, reflecting the creativity and passion that artists nurture in their spaces. The benefit of an art studio, though, in all honesty, is that finding ‘stuff’ is easy as anything, and everything could be useful to an artist. From scraps of paper to bits of wood, even crumpled paper and debris. Every little thing can spark inspiration and lead to new ideas. This process of collecting and making has not only filled the studio but has also reignited my understanding of what truly makes a creative environment thrive. I have started compiling a list of items that an artist cannot live without, based on the true life story of , well, me! I have limited myself to a list of ten, with a little cheating of course because, really, ten? A ridiculous notion.
- Pencils. Obvious, but I mean many, many pencils. Pencils made of wood, made with charcoal. Pencils with colour, pencils that are mechanical and pencils that are not pencils at all, but are rubbers. Pencils in various shapes, some round, some hexagonal, and others triangular for ergonomic grip. Pencils of different grades for various artistic expressions, ranging from soft buttery lines to crisp, sharp marks. For writing, sketching, or colouring, a collection of pencils is essential for any creative. Watercolour pencils and a decent set of coloured pencils are seriously underestimated by many aspiring student artist.
- Brushes. Another obvious one, to be fair, the list in its entirety is obvious to most. Brushes of all sizes, watercolour brushes, acrylic brushes and some brushes in between that are used for everything from delicate work to broader strokes. Brushes for painting on walls, brushes for brushing away rubber debris, and also, boringly, a brush to sweep the floor and a brush that lives with a dustpan. In addition, there are specialised brushes for specific techniques: fan, round, flat, rigger and a chap called Filbert.
- Surfaces to paint on (paper, cardboard etc.). This is a never-ending possibility, I can’t begin to tell you how many surfaces I like to use. I have the usual card/paper/speciality paper, which comes in various textures and thicknesses. I also have old bits of flooring, perfect for a painting that will be free standing or unframed. Old bits of plasterboard from an old wall, providing an interesting texture to an acrylic painting and packs of playing cards, which add a playful element to small projects, along with old books whose pages can be transformed into unique canvases.
- Vessels. Jars, old cups, and vases are all required for storing things in so you can see them clearly. They serve not only as practical items but also as still life subjects, showcasing the beauty of everyday objects and their forms while holding water, enhancing the aesthetic of any space. Because, well it isn’t just about the practicalities, it has to look good. I like my storage to be pleasing to the eye too, and as my space is for therapeutic art sessions, I need it to be a calming environment and not too cluttered.
- Shelves. As many as possible, ones that can be moved about are the best! There can never be too many shelves in an art studio!
- Drying area/rack. As space saving as possible, I utilize my wall mounted rack, which is incredibly efficient and helps keep everything organized. I use it not only to store paper stacks in an orderly fashion but also to ensure that my workspace remains clutter-free. Furthermore, I peg my artwork up on a line to dry, allowing it to air out properly while maximizing the use of vertical space in my studio.
- Washing line. See above.
- Art media. This is getting exciting now, ooooh there are so many possibilities. Acrylic paint, watercolour, printing inks, powder paint, marker pens, felt pens, paint pens, watercolour crayons, watercolour pens…coloured pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels, charcoal, pastels in various forms, mixed media supplies, ink pads, gel pens, paintbrushes of every shape and size…there is a point where you will panic and wonder whether the art studio, undeniably the biggest pencil case you’ve ever had, is in fact large enough to house all the wonderful art supplies you have acquired over the years. The endless combinations of these materials, each capable of sparking creativity and inspiration, knowing where they all are is such a joy, leading to an overwhelming sense of potential that makes every artist’s heart race.
- Table. Essential for any workspace. I have a beautiful old table that my Mum got from a boot sale about forty years ago. Sanded and stained, I always longed to own it. It serves as a solid base for my practical work.
- Radio. For Popmaster, obviously.
February 28, 2026
Designing a Creative Space: My Arts Centre Vision
I have had the most productive of days. First of all, I bagged up a load of cardboard for recycling that I have been meaning to do for months. With the recycling sorted, I set about making some important decisions on my soon-to-be miniature arts centre.
I enlisted the help of my husband, as he is the one with the know-how when it comes to using the tools needed for the job, and, come to think of it, he is also the one with the tools themselves!
The roof came off in two pieces, but that was to be expected. Removing it revealed a whole new world of possibilities inside. Once it was off, I started to wonder how I could raise the roof. My Gaga had made a pitched roof to make the house more special, which adds character and charm, so I wanted to retain that essence; yet, I also needed the ceilings upstairs to be higher to look more authentic. I want this miniature arts centre to be as close to 12th scale as possible, and it will be, as long as my inhabitants are no taller than the average height!
The doors were all far too small, which led me to opt for a more open-plan design. This choice is not only practical but also more suited to an art space, allowing for a flow of creativity that echoes the environment I envision. Where doors are necessary, such as for the toilet, I decided it will be a non-opening door, as I want to retain the internal walls as much as I can. This kind of design strategy is integral to the atmosphere I’m trying to create.
As I explained in my previous post, I want this project to represent what my life is now, and the person I have become. An arts centre or an art school is a little pipe dream of mine if I ever won the lottery. Like I said, a dream. Yet, I believe in nurturing dreams, and I decided I would surely need to include a teaching space in my building—after all, sharing creativity and skills is what an arts centre is all about.
I am so looking forward to taking this project forward; my mind is swirling with exciting ideas and also with a growing list of things I need to procure!
I have started to prepare the interior for decoration. The atmosphere is taking shape with paint pots, protective dust sheets, and a tray loaded with fresh white paint sitting in the gallery space, all ready for tomorrow’s ventures. The prospect of bringing colour, life and stories to the interior fills me with inspiration, motivating me to push through each phase of this project with the enthusiasm and passion I am filled with.
February 27, 2026
The Seventies Dollhouse Built by My Grandad
About fifty years ago, my lovely grandad ( or Gaga as we grandchildren called him) built me a dolls house that remains etched in my memory. It was quite a modern yet distinctly seventies style house, complete with oranges, browns and unique architectural details, and I have always loved it to look at. The intricate features, from the tiny windows to the solid wood front door, added a touch of uniqueness. No body had one of these like mine. Back then, though, I didn’t quite know how to play with it, as it didn’t fit my dolls. Once I had meticulously put the miniature furniture in place, I could only look at it with admiration, enchanted by its working lights and the roaring fire that made it feel warm and inviting.
I have always wanted to give my little house a story. Back in the late nineties, when I got married and moved into my own home, I started cleaning and repainting it. I wanted to restore it, not to its old look, but to something more modern. As an adult, I realized the sizes and shapes weren’t quite right, so normal dollhouse items didn’t fit. At that time, I was pregnant with my first child and dealing with a tough pregnancy condition, which left me with no time or energy for dollhouse projects. I managed to do some painting and fix the lights, which was nice. After that, I put the house away until I had more time to think about it.
A few years later, I started making 1:12 scale miniatures, but I was too busy selling them to focus on my own dollhouse. Plus, I had two more babies, so I had my hands full.
Last week, while walking, I thought about cleaning out the loft, which is full of clutter. Suddenly, I got a great idea. I want to appreciate my dollhouse since it was made for me, and I can’t stand the thought of it being stored away or thrown out after I’m gone. I want to update it and fill it with miniatures that reflect my interests and creativity. I’ll need to make some changes so the upstairs matches the size of the downstairs since it’s a bit smaller. I also need to be able to remove the roof for easy access to the rooms. Once I sort that out, I will turn it into a 1:12 scale arts center with an art gallery downstairs and art studios upstairs.
I plan to document my renovations. I look forward to continuing my Gaga’s artistry in bringing life to my special little building and creating a new story inside it.
February 22, 2026
Impactful Art: Richard Long and Lucien Freud Uncovered
So as my birthday treat to myself, I took myself off to London for a day filled with art, art, and more art. First, I went to Tate Modern, my favourite art gallery because there is so much variety, so much to see, hear, and explore. The moment I stepped inside, I walked through the expansive galleries, as always, I look in awe at the incredible installations that seemed to challenge the very notion of art itself. As I ventured through the exhibits, I found myself lost in thoughts about the artists’ intentions and the stories behind their works, which made the experience even more enriching and memorable.
What I love about the Tate is that each time I look at art that I have already seen once or more times before, I see or experience something different.
I went into the room showing work by Richard Long. I have long admired his site specific works documenting the interactions between humans and the environment such as A Line Made by Walking (1967). I was drawn this time to works made by creating circles, something that recurs in my own practice as does work borne of my walking routine.
Norfolk Flint Circle (1990) Richard Long
The installation Norfolk Flint Circle (1990) is interesting not only due to the satisfying perfection of a circle formed of meticulously placed flint but how bringing inside objects that are meant for the outside instantly shifts the importance of them. Placed outside as are some of the artists other circular structures, the flint pieces are part of the site, belonging to the earth, the surroundings. The decision to bring those elements inside, spending time and money transporting them and carefully arranging them in a large indoor room meant just for them, makes it almost an act of worship.
Indeed, nature is forceful and should be respected which I why I felt that this artwork was incredibly impactful.
Then I walked to The National Portrait Gallery to see the Lucien Freud exhibition, it was a gorgeous day still. I walked through St James Park and noticed a little cottage with an allotment, London is so strange with these quirky happenings in the most unlikely places. On the lake, there were black swans, I’ve never seen those before either. The National Portrait Gallery is a stark contrast to the Tate Modern. The experience is a formal one, which befits the formal nature of the artworks on show.
Self Portrait Fragment (1956) Lucien Freud
Freud is an artist that I have neither studied or taught in detail but that made it all the more enjoyable as I was viewing with fresh eyes. As always I was drawn to the organic materials that were either unfinished or considered a draught or preliminary work. I am more often than not more excited by this matter than I am by final outcomes and framed work. There is something about seeing up close the process of a wonderfully executed painting emerging from a charcoal sketch that fills me with joy! it gives the painting life and is rich with texture and structure. I feel that it is my enthusiasm for these insights into the processes of other artists that has hd the most impact on my own artistic practices. It is why I like to leave sketch marks under my own paintings and why I like to see less than perfect finishes on my printmaking, the ‘printiness’ that a graphic designer would be brought to tears by.
As well as the many self portraits, Freud utilised the people around him as his subject matter, his wife Kitty Garman is tenderly portrayed in many paintings. What was particularly pleasing to see was the charming little collection of drawings from the artist as a child, typically childlike like the kind we find on every family household fridge.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,” -Attributed to Pablo Picasso
February 15, 2026
Art and Self-Care: February’s Journey of Renewal
Look at the gorgeousness of the snowdrop that was tucked away from the path; very few will have set their eyes on it. I have loved seeing them for as long as I can remember. These are just so delicate and pure-looking, yet they possess a strength that allows them to stand tall, even under the weight of the heavy rain from the night before.
It’s hardly surprising that February is my favorite month. It marks the arrival of the first signs of spring, as the snowdrops and cheerful daffodils begin to bloom, lifting our spirits after the winter and the dreary January days following the chaos of Christmas. Today, is my birthday which I always seem to treat as a fantastic opportunity to reflect, reset, and re-energize.
I have spent the day indulging in some mooching about, despite the persistent rain that has tried, but failed to darken the day. I am currently eating cake, drinking tea and watching Death in Paradise, which can’t help but make me feel warmer.
It’s funny how as I get older, I have never been one of those people who view a birthday with a sense of impending doom, dreading the extra year older as though this isn’t something to celebrate. I see each year as an achievement and a chance to question what have I done better in this past year? Well, I am healthier and taking practical steps to make sure I stay as healthy as I can be. I am more knowledgeable, I have learned so much about life both through experiences and research and I am excited for more therapeutic art exercises that I can now develop through what I have learned. I am grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life and I am eternally grateful to have Take That tickets for June!!!
Tomorrow I will be taking myself out on an artist date, one of the invaluable lessons that stuck with me when I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron a few years ago. This practice of nurturing my creativity is crucial; I am off to The National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery, and Tate Modern, where I plan to totally indulge myself in the art of Picasso, Freud, Warhol and the many other artists I am familiar with as well as some I am not. I will walk everywhere as I usually do as I prefer not to have to navigate my way around the underground. The underground feels rushed and confining; it interrupts the purpose of the day too much. By walking, I get to see more than I would if I were crammed into a crowded, sweaty tube. I can take spontaneous detours, pause to appreciate unplanned street art, and simply enjoy the outside air, all of which feeds my need for constant inspiration.
Happy birthday me!
Samantha Humphreys 