As for many of us, a new year brings a new self promise. For me it was ‘to be more present’ and, ‘to find the joy’. These pieces were my first pieces of 2026 and worked under this new promise to myself. I have been reading, and listening to, many blogs and podcasts around these areas, particularly with reference to the benefits of ‘being more present’ in this technological age, this has really reflected in my lifestyle and art practise.

These two pieces have arisen from really taking time to be present and noticing the blue of the ocean, that vivid ultramarine which has such intensity. For quite a while I was lost in this colour and how it made me feel, full of positivity and hope. It is the ability to really notice and to look that is lost when not fully present.

Staying present in your practice is everything!

By Nicholas Wilton

‘We pay more attention to what lights us up when we are present. There’s no thought of the future or the past. We are simply in the moment and available to take in what’s around us. This is a way of being and this leads to an artful life.’