Brush Strokes & Brainwaves
bringing a splash of color and a dash of ADHD to your inbox
Hello fellow cultivator,
In true ADHD fashion, I have been missing my inspiration to write lately. It is almost like the dopamine from the newsletter is not hitting the same after 8 months, even though there are a lot more of you here, A LOT more than I imagined when I first started writing my silly little newsletter in January. Furthermore, I have been connecting with the beautiful community on Substack and loving it. I hope you know that I am incredibly grateful for your time and engagement.
However, as I navigate through these waves of inspiration and creative restlessness, I've stumbled upon a surprising development: all I want to do ALL DAY is paint. Yes, painting is the new hyperfixation. Although, we'll see how long it lasts.
Frankly, I almost thought about skipping publishing a newsletter this week because I got too many ideas floating around in my brain, but nothing concrete or coherent enough to share with you all.
Regardless, I need to adhere to some structure and consistency for this newsletter; otherwise, I fear my brain will try to find an excuse every week. I fear that taking a break or slowing down, from anything for that matter, for no reason whatsoever, will lead to a total and complete shutdown. I could spend time dissecting what I just said, but I want to keep it easy-peasy today, so let's just blame it on ADHD for now.
SO, instead of skipping today, I am choosing to share some of my recent artwork. Similar to the last time I shared my art, I am including some commentary in the captions that reflects my silly, joyous, self-compassionate inner voice.
PS: Both the art and the self-compassion are works in progress :)
I'll start with the paintings from the Skillshare (referral link - not sponsored - included in case you want to join) classes first. I took a couple of loose watercolor floral classes on Skillshare over the last month and love the new techniques I am learning.
However, I will only paint leaves when left to my own devices. Especially Monstera leaves. The first one that felt acceptable to me (self-compassion is for the captions only)!
More leaves.
Leaves of different shapes and sizes.
I'm curious, dear reader; have any of you experienced something similar? Has a creative passion ever taken over your thoughts and actions this way? I'd love to hear your stories and thoughts on hyperfixations related to ADHD or not. Leave a comment below, and let's start a conversation about our creative passions!
Guurrrrrllll, I am telling you, start a line of note cards! (I hope that doesn't sound like an insult; I *love* good stationery.) Who wouldn't want a handcrafted card to send to a loved one or to have a set on-hand for thank-you notes? (Though, I prefer blank cards for birthdays, too.) Your art is gorgeous, Asmita! No wonder it's taking over. Let it (but also, post something here weekly, to stay on your sched, even if it's more art). xo
I love your leaves! I totally understand what you mean... I've had it with painting, writing, gardening, photographing, bookmaking - the list really does go on! My only solution is to have enough projects on the go that I can rotate through them as my fixations rotate, and try at least to link them together so my body of work has some kind of cohesion.
Also, eight months - congratulations!