Its the end of March and spring is in the air! Ive been making the most of these early, crisp spring days. The past few weeks have been a blend of creativity and growth, in the studio and the garden! From a detailed pet portrait commission to a personal painting project, nurturing my young bonsai trees, and getting the vegetable rows ready for planting, there’s been so much to keep me inspired. Let’s dive into what I’ve been up to lately!  

 A Shar Pei Portrait: Capturing Character

One of my favourite projects this month was a commissioned portrait of an adorable Shar Pei. It was incredibly rewarding bringing those iconic wrinkles to life on paper.

 I started with a light pencil sketch, carefully mapping out the structure to get the proportions just right. Over the next few days, I layered in shading and colour with coloured pencils and acrylic paints- adding depth to the fur and a soft warmth to the overall piece. Watching the sketch evolve into a finished portrait was so much fun- each stroke brought me closer to capturing the dog’s soulful expression. Pet portraits are such a special way to connect with animals through art, and this Shar Pei was an absolute delight to draw. If you’d like a custom portrait of your furry friend, check out my Etsy shop- I’d love to create something special for you!  

 A Leopard in Repose: A Work in Progress

While the Shar Pei commission kept me busy, I also made time for a personal project that’s been calling to me- a painting of a leopard resting on a tree branch. This piece is one I’m taking my time with. I wanted to capture the sereness of the leopard in its natural habitat, but with a vibrant, abstract twist that feels uniquely me. I began with a loose sketch on canvas, then built up the background with bold strokes of green watercolor to create a dreamy, jungle-like atmosphere. The leopard itself came to life with layers of acrylics and ink, its spotted coat standing out against the textured bark. The soft, ethereal green background paired with the detailed realism of the leopard feels almost magical- like the scene is glowing with life. I’m still working on this piece, savoring each brushstroke, and I’m excited to see how it evolves.

 Nurturing Growth: Bonsai and Vegetables in the Garden

When I’m not at my easel, I’ve been spending plenty of time in the garden, nurturing both my plants and my patience. I’ve been tending to my growing collection of young trees that I’m training into bonsai, and I’m also preparing my vegetable garden for the planting season now that the last frost will soon be behind us. I love working with plants- they remind me to slow down and appreciate the process of growth.

My little bonsai trees are still in their early stages, but I’m already planning the shapes they’ll take in the years to come. I’ve got a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees, each in their own terracotta pot, soaking up the spring light. One of my favorites is a young elderflower tree, a cutting I took last spring that’s starting to show promising new growth. I spent a chilly morning recently repotting a few of them, getting my hands deep in the soil and feeling the cool breeze on my face.

Meanwhile, I’ve been busy in the vegetable garden, clearing out weeds and getting everything ready for planting. With the last frost almost behind us, I’m excited to plant out my young vegetables soon- there’s parsley already thriving in pots, and I’ve got some young onions  starting to peek through the soil. I’ve been dreaming of fresh, homegrown veggies all winter, and the thought of finally getting them in the ground has me buzzing with excitement. It’s messy work, pulling out those stubborn weeds and turning the soil, but the kind that leaves you feeling refreshed and connected to nature.

  Finding Balance in Creativity and Nature

These past few weeks have been a balance of creating and nurturing. Whether I’m sketching the intricate wrinkles of a Shar Pei, painting the vibrant spots of a leopard, or tending to my bonsai trees and garden, I’m finding joy in the details. The garden has been my sanctuary- a place to step away from the easel, breathe in the fresh air, and let my hands get a little dirty. And when I’m back at my desk, the inspiration from nature flows into my art, bringing it to life in new ways.

As we head into the final days of March, I’m looking forward to more sunny days in the garden and more hours lost in my sketchbook. There’s something so special about this time of year- everything feels fresh and full of potential. I can’t wait to see what blooms, both in my garden and on my canvas, as we move into April.  

 Let’s Keep the Creativity Buzzing!  

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Hope you’ve all had a lovely week!

With love, Mhairi 🐝🖌️🕯️