Painting Outside for the First Time in YEARS (& making silly mistakes) Plein Air

[@hollyexley]

If you have a little extra in your pocket this week: GAZA FUNDRAISERS My friend Kate is fundraising for Ahmed Omar Mahmoude Al Sikaly in Gaza and his family. It would make my day if you could donate: www.gofundme.com/f/help-ahmed-his-family-in-rafah Urgent: Help Mhmed's Family Evacuate: www.gofundme.com/f/help-mohmads-family-Evacuate-from-Gaza?+fundraiser-sidebar& Help Osama and his family evacuate to safety: www.gofundme.com/f/najjj6-Help-osama-Family?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaPLr8Og0oWb4hwSKP7qZ1p2FRvs1h4gbpjKPBT3bx6hilq1csuYdeERlw_aem_Afrp2Ar4X_OpEp933QlneZnUT5Qym9sYJglSFayHzmVWx2lZ5u1FudeGxOrIi8mecCoK84iZkA8cSC3ODbsDP9sZ

[@jennhoffmann458]

I love Craig’s reaction to your painting! And he was right, it was well good! I could see postcards like that being so popular in a little tourist shop. I really like this series, seeing what you’re up to on Mull, and what there is to see. It’s a dream to be somewhere different and just soak up the surroundings for a bit, instead of just visiting a place for a couple days. You can’t see as much. This is lovely.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Jenn :D

[@rararagrr]

Craig's reaction to your painting was so amazing. You're so lucky to have such a loving and supportive partner in life. ❤

[@mollyannebishop]

was thinking the same thing 🥲

[@clarewassermann9423]

Yes me too

[@bluewren65]

Yes, beautiful.

[@emmalgroom]

It made me have the BIGGEST grin, such a great reaction

[@hollyexley]

I'm very lucky! He's my biggest cheerleader!

[@dawnbevins451]

Please never apologise for Quentin snoring, let that little angel snooze as loudly and peacefully as he likes, it is one of the sweetest things 💖 loving your paintings, the colours of your landscapes are so vibrant you just want to step into them, and the nest was so rich and jewel-like - watching this has just reminded me to go by a couple of zines before you close your shop 🙌 I also love the support you get from Craig, whether it is appreciating your artwork or offering to do all the talking 😁 How wonderful to have a cheerleader by your side who is happy for you to be you, however that looks on any given day. Thanks for your vlogs Holly, they are such a joy to watch - even if I am always catching up 😂 💖

[@KelliPaints]

I really love this series! Love coming along with you during your van life era 🥰

[@aulyasisca5181]

not only that you produce beautiful paintings but you also have beautiful soul 🇵🇸

[@hollyexley]

thank you 💞

[@user-hh9lh8jq6q]

Lovely to follow along with you. I appreciate your candidness about your anxiety struggles in social situations. Its something I also struggle with and we can be quite hard on ourselves for it.

[@analimalimon.]

Thank you for this beautiful video! Your videos are always so soothing, and I feel so content after watching. Keep up the wonderful work! ❤

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Ana, that really means so much! So glad you liked this one :)

[@frilliepink]

Love how your work is intertwined with nature. You are so knowledgeable and I enjoy listening to you talk about your findings.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you very much!

[@kimtimmermans873]

I loved the video! Your thoughts about drawing from life/outside vs. in the studio are very relatable. I actually like your second lighthouse painting even more than the first one, it seems more loose and expressive.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much! It definitely has a different vibe to it, I like it too

[@robturpin]

Loved Craig's reaction to your lighthouse painting. Couldn't agree more - really lovely painting. Fab video too.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BethDooner]

Every moment just before you went "sorry if you can hear Quentin snoring" I always thought a motorbike has just gone past your van 😂Incredible. Craig's response to your painting aaaaah

[@deesmith7880]

Thank you for sharing your art practice. I really enjoyed seeing the progress of your sketchbook. I also lack confidence when creating art plein air. I keep having to tell myself, ‘paint what you see, not what you think.’ I am looking forward to seeing more studies of the shipwrecks. What stunning subject matter xx

[@danshibuya6593]

Holly your paintings are WONDERFUL! I love the landscape :)

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much!

[@hollyhodgson7253]

Such an enjoyable vlog. Your paintings were all beautiful. The way you see so many colours in things that are seemingly dull in colour (eg the birds best) never ceases to amaze me. I would love to hear your insight on choosing colours/colour theory/personal process when it comes to colour. ❤

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Holly!

[@deborahdownward3881]

Brilliant artwork every time. Loving this series on Mull. Thank you for the videos.

[@CosminSerbanDesign]

fantastic work Holly 👏 is there a way to buy a print of the lighthouse poscard?

[@hollyexley]

Thank you! Working on it!

[@JannetjeW]

What a joy

[@linocutmoon]

Such a lovely video, Holly! ❤❤❤ I completely agree with Craig about your brilliant painting of the lighthouse. Really really love it. I also especially like the water in the eider ducks painting. As a printmaker, I also enjoyed seeing the glimpses of the Glasgow Printmakers exhibition in An Tobar.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much! Apparently some of the printmakers at Glasgow Print Studio are rather famous!

[@pdbowman]

happy about this one!

[@laurenvonduyke-dadmun9928]

So good to be able to join you in your explorations! I'm really enjoying watching you paint and sketch. Thank you!

[@hollyexley]

Thanks for following along Lauren!

[@carrieat]

Totally agree with Craig. Your postcard was stunning!!!!!!

[@rosemaryforeman8194]

Your sketch book is amazing and the nests so beautiful.... how you "see" things.

[@ClayDisarray]

Oh blimey, I've always thought of herons as such impressive birds - I might have to revise my opinion! 😬 Beautiful sketches🧡

[@hollyexley]

They are amazing birds, but with an evil streak! 😂

[@itscarolinemary]

The nest you did is also stunning, love the colours in it 🥰

[@louiselangton]

Thank you for the painting inspiration and book recommendations. I just took my sketchbook away on holiday and brought it back untouched - I let myself get distracted by people too much. I'll definitely make a point of taking myself off alone and then begin tackling what you discuss here 😉 x

[@hollyexley]

At least the intention was there! I know what you mean, other people can really throw me off course too. Hope you find some time to take your sketchbook on an outing again :)

[@louiselangton]

@@hollyexley thank yooou! Have a great weekend x

[@itscarolinemary]

That two page spread of the lighthouse is also very pretty ❤ stunning! I love it. I like hearing your perspective on drawing on location vs at desk!!

[@scherbakovaanna]

Craig is damn right, I'm buying this so called ghibli postcard any time !!!

[@hollyexley]

Haha thank you so much :D

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Hi Holly, I love your outdoor sketches. ❤

[@hollyexley]

Yay, thank you Karol!

[@emmyaward100]

I would love an A4 print of your lighthouse painting 🥰

[@mailartlover]

Yes, postcards! I couldn't agree more with Greg 😁

[@georgiaholland3912]

Sooo enjoyed looking through your sketchbook! Would love to potentially see a sketchbook tour of the one you finished recently :) Also, drawing from life is bloody hard! I’m studying an MA at the moment and the first three months was just solid observational drawing so that we all got used to it and even the best artists struggle with it at first, keep going, it can be so rewarding! ☀️

[@hollyexley]

Definitely!!

[@itscarolinemary]

Stunning shots as you sketch the shipwreck!!! Wow! The drone shots ❤

[@deboramissoorten6765]

So many beautiful sketches , I loved the birds and the nest and the details of the boats and ... Nature looks so beautiful and silent that must feel relax to sketch outside although it can be overwhelming too getting out of your 'save nest' . I've just started a Pith sketchbook myself , a small one , I like it lay flat . Thanks for sharing , looking forward to your next episode .

[@erinmacdonald4138]

Lovely vlog Holly! It takes bravery to paint/sketch on location, beautiful work!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Erin!

[@r.hunterpatterson9787]

The Lighthouse painting is just so beautiful,.You are an amazing artist.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much :D I appreciate you saying that!

[@Retro-love-]

Your painting is gorgeous and so is Craigs reaction too (the Japanese pronounce Studio Ghibli Jibli like job not like Gibb)

[@clarewassermann9423]

Thank you for your lovely videos. I really like to watch one at the end of the day. Thought provoking and soothing at the same time!

[@hollyexley]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed. xxx

[@louisebarnsdale2274]

Loved this video. You always really inspire me to want to get my sketchbook out again. Love these relaxing videos and seeing your work xx

[@hollyexley]

So glad you're enjoying Louise, thank you!

[@arleneoleary7786]

Loved the lighthouse paintings. ❤

[@itscarolinemary]

The colourful shipwreck illustration is really nice!

[@firdyk]

Beautiful sketches.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much!

[@tasticola]

How lovely Holly. Those poor ducklings, and so sad for mumma duck. Your boats were beautiful! And your nest! I loved how proud Craig was of your art. Your "Ghibli" painting should definitely be a postcard! I also noticed you were using a Pith sketchbook. They're becoming a firm favourite of mine too. Thanks for these snippets of your week. x Nell.

[@hollyexley]

Hey Nell - yes I am really enjoying the Pith sketchbook! It's a great size, just what I was looking for. Thank you for your kind words! :D

[@tasticola]

@@hollyexley you're very welcome 🧡

[@ThePattiw]

I love your plein air work Hollty. It should lood different from the "studio" work because it is! And I think your nest drawing is stunning. Not an easy subject to capture, but you did it justice. And as always, thank you for the recommendation of books!

[@hollyexley]

Oh thank you Pamela! I appreciate that.

[@heathershaw9235]

Craig is right, that postcard has big Ghibli vibes! You should definitely consider doing an exhibit in Mull of your work.

[@hollyexley]

Thanks Heather! I would defo like to show some of my work in Mull somehow - there's a group exhibition that I will enter :)

[@teresaromo6798]

30 min video yes please! Love the sketchbook tour and all the color pencil drawings 🙂

[@hollyexley]

So glad you enjoyed :)

[@janeylane87]

I love this vlog! It's so funny because I was just looking for my flat watercolor brush to paint as well...which I don't know where I put it...I love your plein air painting! It's something I wish to learn to do too. I like Sarah Burns on KZbin. Thank you for the new KZbin suggestion I will definitely take a look. But I also am in love with all your studies and outdoor paintings. I especially loved the nest that was my favorite!!! Just the way you see art is so incredible! I was like how is she going to do that...but wow. Your husband is right just pure talent! Also thank you for the Palestine fundraiser will also definitely be donating. Feeling frustrated with what more to do. I love you Palestine pin ❤. Thank you!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Jane for all your supportive words! And thank you for donating, that's so generous of you. Thinking of Palestine always.

[@jdgcreates]

Love the beautiful art you made! Can't wait to see other Mull-inspired stuff this summer 🙂

[@hollyexley]

More to come!

[@GoodTimesAreComing]

I enjoyed this video so much! It inspired me to go out and paint from real life too. I hope you sell your lighthouse painting as a print, I would love a copy!

[@hollyexley]

Thanks so much!

[@itscarolinemary]

I love when you draw colourful birds, sooo pretty ❤

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much 😀

[@itscarolinemary]

Craig's reaction 🎉😂 yessss Holly is so talented

[@hollyexley]

Haha thank you Caroline! You are my second biggest cheerleader (after Craig!) :D :D :D Appreciate your encouragement so much

[@catklu]

☺👏🙂

[@itscarolinemary]

Aw, the poor ducklings 🥺🙁 I love baby ducks

[@stefaniepsiferart]

So upsetting to hear about the mum who was without her chicks the next day. So much injustice in the world! Beautiful artwork though Holly. Hope you are having a great time.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Stefanie :)! Lesson for duck mums: stay away from the heron! I'm glad I didn't see it happen, that would have been a tragic sight.

[@stefaniepsiferart]

@@hollyexley I go out nearly every week to feed ducks and birds and love seeing the chicks so this hit hard! I feel so protective of the animals bless them! It's so sad about the chicks and I feel so bad for the mum too. Hopefully she can have more babies and they make it next time. Take care of yourselves and looking forward to your next video. :)

[@cecile3414]

It does have a Ghibli feel!!! I cannot paint outside: I have to be comfortable, and I can only paint from a picture...

[@danniespokes4083]

Craigs seems like such a sweet caring husband ☺

[@hollyexley]

This is true - I am extremely lucky :)

[@MrsQuam]

How do you shower in the van? Now I will forever dislike herons , too.

[@hollyexley]

Heron haters unite! We have a shower on our back doors to the van - but here on Mull there are public showers you can pay to use, so we've been doing that. Its very convenient.