Sometimes, making your art in collections can be a surprising way to make discoveries – about your art, your subject, and yourself.
When Delia Taylor-Brook took the Create a Collection course, she had an epiphany about how a collection can come together, as well as learning what she needs to help her keep going and complete the work.
In fact, sometimes you already have a collection – or, as in Delia’s case, more than one – and not actually realise it!
There’s a lot of permission in what she shares, so read on to find out how Delia made creating in collections work for her.
{Sidenote: She ended up with four!}
What’s the name of the collection?
The collections are called:
- Friend or Foe! (3 watercolours of pigeons and cat)
- Through The Window (2 collage/acrylics)
- A Collective of Birds (3 acrylics, 2 with collage)
- Beautiful Black Birds (4 which include 2 watercolours and 2 collage/acrylic)
Blueberries & Cream (Through The Window) – inspired by the cheekiness of the blackbirds.
What did you discover in creating this collection?
What I discovered was that there is a different theme and style to the many different bird paintings that I’ve completed.
And that’s ok.
It felt very lacking in cohesion at first and that overwhelmed me but I suddenly had an epiphany when I looked at them altogether.
Safely In the Pussy Willow (A Collective of Birds) – a favourite as it was first inspired by the amazing yellow of the Pussy Willow trees this spring – so vibrant.
What challenged you and how did you overcome it?
Getting a sense of cohesion which I overcame by separating them into smaller collections.
Timing is always a massive challenge – I definitely need a deadline!
Curious Crow (Beautiful Black Birds) – I enjoyed the drawing and line work and the loose watercolours of this one.
What surprised you about making this collection?
That I could include in my collections amended paintings and older completed paintings that fitted the theme. Great!
Spring Blue Tits, {Before}
What’s been happening since you completed the course?
I’ve been looking a lot more at the garden birds in my garden and have had further ideas, such as I would really like to develop the collection called Through The Window.
I love interiors and the view from the window. I’ll do more of these.
I will also produce more for the Beautiful Black Birds and the A Collective of Birds collections as I enjoy these themes and types of birds.
Spring Blue Tits, After | Spring Blue Tits (A Collective of Birds) – an amended piece. I like Blue Tits because of their colours and movement.
Where to find Delia online:
See and purchase Delia’s birds on her website
Would you like to create a collection of your own?
If you’ve never worked this way before, it can feel a bit daunting or opaque, but it can be absolutely game changing for your practice.
From stuck, frustrated, and not sure how to tell when a piece is finished, then stalling out for weeks or months, to being able to stay in flow, and create a body of work that shines with your unique voice.
Create a Collection is open twice a year currently.
Find out more and get on the waitlist – or join us – here.
