The Arting Journey
In 2017, Mist the one-eyed collie was unwell. She was my best friend.
I had dabbled with adult colouring before then, but started to use it as a coping
mechanism while we went through numerous treatments and surgeries. It was
enough to keep my mind off what was going on, without feeling overwhelming,
and allow me to have a creative outlet - something I learned previously was
important for my mental health. Despite our best efforts after several months,
we had to put Mist to sleep.
I was devastated. It left the biggest, gaping, unfillable hole in my life and the
thought of not seeing her face ever again was unbearable. I had to find ways of
bringing good memories of her to life if I was going to move forward.
I wanted to be able to draw her.
You know, properly.
I figured I could conjure her up any time I wanted, and eventually be able to draw her doing anything, anywhere, any time. The thought comforted me. I started to sketch, learned the basics and, well, haven't stopped since. I drew my first portrait of Mist eleven months after starting to draw. I'm planning the next one soon.
I have found so much joy, excitement and happiness in art, as well as a way to process emotions and balance my mental health, and I wanted to share it with others. If anyone could take anything from what I was doing, even just a few people, I figured that could only be a good thing. I started my YouTube channel and the Colour Cave was born.
My favourite medium will always be pencil - the slow, methodical techniques and the texture of pencil on paper is very satisfying for me, and I'm at my happiest with a plain old graphite pencil and a sketchbook. In February 2019 I started dabbling with watercolour and surprisingly got to enjoy it.
I am so early in my art journey and have so much to explore. I don't even have a definitive art style yet. I'm excited and happy to see what's in store and where I can take my skills next. Hopefully I can continue to improve and try a myriad of mediums, and bring Mist to life through art.
Maybe you'll come along for the ride too.
Gem

Mist with Jock in 2017

The first drawing of Mist, November 2018