A New Chapter: How Pregnancy is Influencing My Art
Influences of a Painter
In the last issue of Notes of a Painter, I reflected on my artistic journey over the past five years. Painting has helped me express my experiences and emotions, bringing meaning to my world. Now, I’m painting regularly and building momentum, I’ve married my soulmate, we’ve bought a house, and we have a baby boy on the way—an exciting new chapter is about to begin.
With Mother’s Day fast approaching (Sunday 30th March), it feels fitting to share how pregnancy is influencing my work.
Being pregnant is a joy. It’s incredible to think that as I go about my day-to-day life, I’m growing a person! But it has also been challenging at times. Although I’ve been lucky not to feel unwell, I’ve definitely felt more tired and needed to rest more often, listening to what my body needs. It’s also been emotional, as hormones work their magic to nurture a healthy child (I’m truly grateful for my husband’s patience).
As a painter, I’ve trained myself to lean into my emotions rather than avoid them. Perhaps that’s why art therapy has grown so much in the past decade—art can help us process whatever life throws our way. Pregnancy, with all its ups and downs, has given me a deeper connection to the emotions I channel into my work.
After our first scan, I noticed something unexpected: my sketches became monochrome for the first time. Black and white layers of acrylic, oil pastel, and oil paint appeared on the paper. The grainy image of my child bouncing around and waving had clearly touched me deeply, influencing my painting approach. If you’re familiar with my work, you’ll know I usually express myself through vibrant colour, so using monochrome felt like an instinctive shift.
These sketches also led me to reflect on how beauty can come from darkness. Two years ago, my relationship with my father broke down, and we haven’t spoken since. Some of the last words spoken began to find their way into these monochrome florals. It’s a reminder of the connection between time and generations, even as one relationship breaks down and another is born.
When working in this new direction, it can feel painful, but I push through as a form of therapy—often followed by a much-needed hug from my husband. Here are some early sketches from this deeply personal series, which I plan to develop slowly over the coming year.
Mother’s Day, Sunday 30th March…
Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is just around the corner, Sunday 30th March, and I’ve created a range of greeting cards celebrating resilience and beauty. Perfect for the mum in your life. They are A6 size and come with funky coloured envelopes.
Speak soon,
Rae
P.S. My prints are always available to browse and purchase, with prices starting at just £27. They come ready to frame and make thoughtful gifts.