A little while ago I painted a series of tiny little birds and they got me thinking about the sort of big showy birds that usually get a lot of attention.

I thought they would be fun to paint with big splashes of bold colour - I was right - so much fun!

Spend some time observing these dramatic birds and before long you realise you are watching self confidence in action.

These birds seem to be like poster kids for self belief.

"Be your bold, dramatic self," they seem to say. "Stand out and show your plumage."

We do spend a lot of time doing our best to fit in, to conform, at various times in our life. It can seem easier to try to just be the same as everyone else. Hide your differences to be left in peace to go about your business, rather than the pressure of standing out and being seen.

But these glorious birds are a colourful reminder that there is value in being bold, standing in your power, letting your freak flag fly!

Just like the peacock with his magnificent tail, or the flamingo with its crazy colour.

And then I started painting these birds together. A pair of flamingos... then a whole flock of them.

That's when I realised that as much as we might think we are unique special snowflakes and perhaps try to hide that to fit in, it is inevitable that with so many people in the world there will be others just like you - no matter how different you feel.

It is only when you are brave enough to show the parts of you that seem outrageous to you that you will find them.

Far better to be you and find your own flock than hide your true self to fit in to the one you happen to find yourself in.

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

— Dolly Parton

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Paint From Your Own Reference - 10 Easy Tips to Better Photos from Your Phone

Painting from your own photos of your own life is a very satisfying experience.

It can really elevate your painting practice to a whole new level so I have 10 easy tips that you can use to improve your own reference photography - with your phone camera - for better paintings.